Recent advances in multifunctional therapeutic materials for overcoming cancer using light, ultrasound, and light-/ultrasound-induced immune system

Cancer is one of the most formidable diseases in modern society, and cancer treatment is facing a new phase. Alongside traditional methods such as chemotherapy, various practical adjuvant therapeutic approaches and related agents have been introduced to enhance the chances of a cure and reduce the recurrence of cancers. Notably, non-invasive external source-based therapeutic approaches, agents (sensitizers), and cancer-specific delivery materials using light (phototherapy), ultrasound, and light-/ultrasound-induced immune response have garnered widespread attention: (i) Photo: photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), (ii) Ultrasound: sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and (iii) Immune response: light-/ultrasound-induced immunotherapy (IMT). However, the application of the individual approach to cancer therapy exhibits some disadvantages and limitations despite their potential for developing a cure. In this comprehensive review, we have systematically summarized recent literature, focusing on the recent advances in multifunctional therapeutic materials, such as dual-functional, triple-functional, and all-in-one materials. We hope this review will inspire the development of next-generation multifunctional cancer therapeutic materials and thereby contribute to enhancing global health conditions.