NIR‐II Driven Plasmon‐Enhanced Catalysis for a Timely Supply of Oxygen to Overcome Hypoxia‐Induced Radiotherapy Tolerance

Abstract

Abstract Hypoxia, as a characteristic feature of solid tumor, can significantly adversely affect the outcomes of cancer radiotherapy (RT), photodynamic therapy, or chemotherapy. In this study, a strategy is developed to overcome tumor hypoxia‐induced radiotherapy tolerance. Specifically, a novel two‐dimensional Pd@Au bimetallic core–shell nanostructure (TPAN) was employed for the sustainable and robust production of O 2 in long‐term via the catalysis of endogenous H 2 O 2 . Notably, the catalytic activity of TPAN could be enhanced via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect triggered by NIR‐II laser irradiation, to enhance the O 2 production and thereby relieve tumor hypoxia. Thus, TPAN could enhance radiotherapy outcomes by three aspects: 1) NIR‐II laser triggered SPR enhanced the catalysis of TPAN to produce O 2 for relieving tumor hypoxia; 2) high‐Z element effect arising from Au and Pd to capture X‐ray energy within the tumor; and 3) TPAN affording X‐ray, photoacoustic, and NIR‐II laser derived photothermal imaging, for precisely guiding cancer therapy, so as to reduce the side effects from irradiation.