Advances in smart mesoporous carbon nanoplatforms for photothermal–enhanced synergistic cancer therapy

•PTT-related theranostics and multimodal synergistic therapy based on MCNs.•Characteristics of MCNs in preparation and applications are introduced.•Research hotspots including MCNs-based nanoenzyme, degradable composite.•Strategies for enhanced PTT and potential opportunities are summarized. Mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCNs) and their derivatives have been extensively explored in photothermal therapy (PTT) based cancer treatment, due to their unique structure and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. The tailored mesoporous framework with adjustable channel and smart surface modifications have proven to be effective in delivering various active agents and improving limitations with monotherapy, including severe side effects and poor therapeutic outcomes. Recently, multi-functional MCNs-composites with various enzyme-like activities and degradable framework are attracting increasing attention in PTT-based multimodal therapies thanks to the advances in nanocasting and structure design. In view of the rapid development of MCNs-based PTT therapies, this review summarizes the current progress, including (1) Characteristics of MCNs used in PTT; (2) PTT combined treatments; (3) Multi-functional MCNs in PTT; (4) Multiple ways to achieve low-power efficient PTT. In addition, the properties of MCNs, including biodegradability, higher attainable catalysis activities, and limited light penetration in PTT are fully discussed regarding challenges of potential clinical translation.