Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the main treatment methods for malignant tumors. However, how to improve the efficacy of RT while reducing its side effects is still facing great challenges. The progress of nanomedicine has provided the possibility of improving the curative effect of RT for tumors. Nanomaterials not only act as radiosensitizers to enhance radiation energy, but also act as nanomaterials to provide therapeutic methods against tumor radiation. This may help to explore the new direction of clinical translation of nanoparticle radiosensitizers. In this article, the combination of nanomaterials-based radiotherapy and photothermal therapy for cancer was reviewed. The use of nanomaterials to counter anti-tumor radiation responses was highlighted, and the mutual enhancement of these synergistic therapies was described. In addition, the potential challenges and future prospects of radiation nanomedicine were explored.

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the main treatment methods for malignant tumors. However, how to improve the efficacy of RT while reducing its side effects is still facing great challenges. The progress of nanomedicine has provided the possibility of improving the curative effect of RT for tumors. Nanomaterials not only act as radiosensitizers to enhance radiation energy, but also act as nanomaterials to provide therapeutic methods against tumor radiation. This may help to explore the new direction of clinical translation of nanoparticle radiosensitizers. In this article, the combination of nanomaterials-based radiotherapy and photothermal therapy for cancer was reviewed. The use of nanomaterials to counter anti-tumor radiation responses was highlighted, and the mutual enhancement of these synergistic therapies was described. In addition, the potential challenges and future prospects of radiation nanomedicine were explored.