The multi-faceted nature of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (fMNPs) is well-suited for cancer therapy. These nanocomposites can also provide a multimodal platform for targeted cancer therapy due to their unique magnetic guidance characteristics. When induced by an alternating magnetic field (AMF), fMNPs can convert the magnetostatic energy to heat for magnetic hyperthermia (MHT), as well as for controlled drug release. Furthermore, with the ability to convert near-infrared (NIR) light energy to heat energy, fMNPs have attracted interest for photothermal therapy (PTT). Other than MHT and PTT, fMNPs also have a place in combination cancer therapies, such as chemo-MHT, chemo-PTT, and chemo-PTT-photodynamic therapy, among others, due to their versatile properties. Thus, this review presents multifunctional nanocomposites based on fMNPs for cancer therapies, induced by an AMF or NIR light. We will first discuss the different fMNPs induced with an AMF for cancer MHT and chemo-MHT. Secondly, we will discuss fMNPs irradiated with NIR lasers for cancer PTT and chemo-PTT. Finally, fMNPs used for dual-mode AMF + NIR-laser-induced magneto-photo-hyperthermia (MPHT) will be discussed.
Keywords: alternating magnetic field; magnetic hyperthermia; magnetic nanoparticles; magnetic targeting; near-infrared; photothermal therapy.