Photothermal therapy ( PTT) is a new treatment for cancer .Metal sulfide quantum dots can serve as good PTT agents thanks to their excellent optical , physical and chemical properties .This paper introduced the basic principles of PTT, evaluation methods and properties of quantum dots .Also, we reviewed the research progress in metal sulfide quantum dots, which have good infrared plasmon response capabilities and localized surface plasmon resonance effect in PTT .In combination with the characteristics of metal sulfide quantum dots , this review offered a vision of the physical and chemical processes which can be used in PTT and the developments of this novel cancer therapy offered a vision of the .