Table 1.

Advantages and disadvantages of various nano-particles for cancer treatment.

Combination of PDT and Chemotherapy	Type of Carriers	Advantages	Disadvantages
Without external carriers	Photosensitizers as carriers	Faster synthesis process Simple compound Cost-effective	Possible toxicity Less-selectivity Fast elimination
	Photosensitizer-drug materials
With external carriers	Transition metal based nano-platforms	Biocompatible Targeted drug carrier Selective Enhancing drug’s accumulation in the tumor site Tissue penetration Long time plasma half-life (stability)	Complex compound Longer synthesis process More cost Complex elimination routes
	Silica
	Graphene
	Liposomes
	Dendrimers
	Polymers
	Metal–organic frameworks
	Biological nanocarriers
	Nano emulsions