Near-infrared-mediated theranostics of colorectal cancer: Recent advances and perspectives

Colorectal cancer, as a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, posing a serious challenge to human health. Conventional therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, often suffer from inherent side effects due to the complex physiological characteristics of the intestinal environment. Accordingly, near-infrared (NIR) light-activated luminescent nanomaterials, which have recently been widely explored for colorectal cancer theranostics, offer unique advantages, such as high spatial resolution of imaging, deep penetration to tissue, and easy functionality. This review delves into recent advancements in the realm of NIR-mediated colorectal cancer nanotheranostics, underscoring the distinctive merits of these strategies. Additionally, it critically examines the existing challenges and future opportunities within this burgeoning field. By presenting a comprehensive overview of the latest developments, this review aims to equip researchers with timely and pertinent information, thereby fostering the vibrant growth and innovation of NIR-mediated nanomedicine.