Biomaterials in Nanoparticle-Mediated Hyperthermia: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment With Precision Heat Delivery and Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy Publisher

Summary: Can smart nanoparticles improve cancer heating? A systematic review highlights hybrid platforms combining imaging, heat and drug release, but safety hurdles remain. #Nanomedicine #Cancer

Esfahani M C ; Salimi K ; Ahmadi M ; Kamyab Moghadas B ; Khandan A
Source: Nanochemistry Research Published:2026

Abstract

Nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia represents a paradigm shift in oncology, evolving from a simple thermal ablation technique into a sophisticated platform for precision cancer therapy. This systematic review critically analyzes this evolution, positing that the future of the field lies not in the incremental improvement of single-material nanoparticles, but in the rational design of stimuli-responsive, multifunctional theranostic systems. Through a rigorous, PRISMA-guided analysis of the recent literature (2015-2024), we compare the heating mechanisms, specific absorption rates, and therapeutic efficacy of major nanoparticle classes—including magnetic iron oxide, gold-based, and carbon-based structures. Our investigation shows that while magnetic nanoparticles offer superior tissue penetration and gold nanostructures provide high photothermal conversion, the most significant advancements emerge from hybrid and “smart” platforms. These next-generation systems integrate real-time imaging, spatially controlled heat delivery, and triggered drug release into a single agent, thereby enabling synergistic combination therapies and potentially activating systemic anti-tumor immunity. However, clinical translation remains hampered by challenges in scalable manufacturing, precise in vivo temperature monitoring, and the long-term biocompatibility of non-degradable nanomaterials. This review concludes that overcoming these hurdles through interdisciplinary collaboration in chemistry and materials science is essential to fully realize the potential of nanoparticle hyperthermia as a cornerstone of personalized cancer treatment. © 2026 The Author(s). Published by the Iranian Chemical Society.