4T1 tumors from mice collected immediately after sustained photothermal therapy
we propose sustained mild photothermal therapy (43 Degree Celsius, 3 hours) utilizing sea urchin-shaped plasmonic gold nanoparticles (AuNUs) with a high photothermal conversion efficiency (92.8%) in combination with a single irradiation of low-power (0.1 W/cm^2) continuous LED light. This method achieved complete tumor eradication in animal models, with no recurrence over long-term (>180 days) monitoring. Our strategy provides superior therapeutic effects compared to mild photothermal therapy and higher safety than high-temperature photothermal therapy. Additionally, it induces a strong immune response and immune memory, crucial for preventing tumor recurrence and metastasis. This novel approach to photothermal therapy may significantly impact clinical applications for shallow tumor treatment and offer new avenues for immunotherapy.