Recent advances of cyanine dyes in tumor theranostics: molecular modification, delivery strategies, and synergistic mechanisms

Key Points

• This review aims to summarize the advancements in cyanine dyes for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
• Focused on molecular modifications of cyanine dyes.
• Explored delivery strategies and nanostructure construction.
• Discussed synergistic mechanisms in integrated therapeutic platforms.
• Enhanced functionality of cyanine dyes in tumor phototheranostics.
• Innovative delivery strategies improve effectiveness.
• Synergistic mechanisms are critical for integrated platforms.