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Review
. 2025 Apr;20(8):883-901.
doi: 10.1080/17435889.2025.2476386. Epub 2025 Mar 10.

Recent advances in nano-molybdenum oxide for photothermal cancer therapy

Shihai Chen  1 , Ping Zhang  1 , Hongmei Bai  1 , Wenhui Yi  2
Affiliations
Review

Recent advances in nano-molybdenum oxide for photothermal cancer therapy

Shihai Chen et al. Nanomedicine (Lond). 2025 Apr.

Abstract

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, driving the search for innovative treatments. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising approach, using photothermal agents to convert near-infrared (NIR) light into heat for tumor ablation. Among these agents, nano-molybdenum oxide, particularly non-stoichiometric MoO3-x (0 < x < 1), stands out due to its unique defect structure, strong NIR absorption, high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE), and pH-responsive degradation. This review summarized recent advancements in nano-molybdenum oxide for PTT, covering its classification, synthesis, surface modification, and tumor-targeting mechanisms. Subsequently, we explored its applications in PTT and combination therapies, evaluated biocompatibility and toxicity, and discussed current achievements, challenges, and future perspectives in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Molybdenum oxide; cancer therapy; chemodynamic therapy; photodynamic therapy; photothermal therapy.

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References

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