Engineering Schottky Junction Nanocatalysts for Enhanced Charge Carrier Separation and Synergistic PDT/PTT/CDT in Bladder Cancer Therapy

Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies of the urinary system and poses significant therapeutic challenges, including high recurrence rates, drug resistance, and treatment-related side effects. In recent years, Schottky junction nanocatalysts have attracted considerable attention in the field of oncology due to their enhanced light-driven electrodynamic properties and promising therapeutic potential. This review provided a comprehensive overview of the underlying mechanisms of Schottky junction nanocatalysts and their core advantages. Moreover, the application of nanomaterials in multimodal therapy for bladder cancer was further elaborated, including photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and synergistic chemodynamic therapy. By analyzing the latest advances in preclinical research, we highlighted the role of these nanocatalysts in enhancing therapeutic efficacy, minimizing systemic toxicity, and improving patient survival outcomes. Simultaneously, it outlines the present issues with nanomaterials and the clinical barriers impeding their widespread adoption. These findings offer valuable insights into the future clinical translation of nanotechnology-based treatments for bladder cancer.