PTT involves the administration of nanoparticles—such as gold nanorods, carbon nanotubes, or graphene—into the patient's body. These nanoparticles are designed to accumulate in tumor tissues due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Once the nanoparticles are localized within the cancerous tissue, a NIR laser is directed at the site, causing the nanoparticles to heat up. This localized heating induces thermal ablation, effectively destroying the cancer cells.
