Abstract <p>Nanocarriers are one of the recognized drug delivery systems used in cancer therapy due to their efficiency in targeting tumors, crossing barriers, and providing controlled release of drugs. The growth of biocompatible materials with appropriate near-infrared light (NIR) light absorption and drug delivery capabilities has tremendous development in recent years for the human health welfare. Side effects, systemic toxicity, and low bioavailability are associated with conventional cancer treatment which necessitate the development of an innovative approach for the effective treatment of cancer. This work highlights the recent progress in photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy that employs distinct NIR-responsive nanocarriers including metal, polymeric, carbon-based, and silica-based nanoparticles (NPs) along with their synthesis and mechanism details. The carriers show multi-responsive theranostic functionalities and these nanocarriers can improve the drug’s efficacy and limiting side effects based on the response elicited by pH, temperature, or NIR light. These NPs possess the properties of high photothermal conversion efficiency and low toxicity for targeted therapy. Thus, the integration of PTT and chemotherapy into cancer treatments may reduce the multidrug resistance (MDR) and improve the therapeutic efficacy for cancer. The present review implies the efficacy and safety of integrated therapy in cancer treatments.</p> Lay summary <p> Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the creation of tiny drug carriers that respond to NIR light, allowing precise control over when and where drugs are released in the body. These nanocarriers, made from materials like gold, iron oxide, and polymers, can improve cancer treatment by directly targeting tumors and reducing harmful side effects. By combining heat-based therapy (photothermal therapy) with chemotherapy, this method shows great promise in treating advanced cancers. However, challenges like safety and comp atibility with existing drugs remain. Ongoing research aims to make these systems safer, more effective, and suitable for regular medical use.</p> <p> Future research will focus on improving nanocarrier biocompatibility, minimizing toxicity, and enhancing targeted drug delivery. Efforts will also explore how to integrate these systems effectively with traditional therapies, enabling more efficient and safer treatments. This could lead to broader applications of photothermal chemotherapy in clinical cancer care.</p>