The application of porphyrins and their derivatives have been investigated extensively
over the past years for phototherapy cancer treatment. Phototherapeutic Porphyrins have the ability
to generate high levels of reactive oxygen with a low dark toxicity and these properties have made
them robust photosensitizing agents. In recent years, Porphyrins have been combined with various
nanomaterials in order to improve their bio-distribution. These combinations allow for
nanoparticles to enhance photodynamic therapy (PDT) cancer treatment and adding additional
nanotheranostics (photothermal therapy—PTT) as well as enhance photodiagnosis (PDD) to the
reaction. This review examines various porphyrin-based inorganic nanoparticles developed for
phototherapy nanotheranostic cancer treatment over the last three years (2017 to 2020).
Furthermore, current challenges in the development and future perspectives of porphyrin-based
nanomedicines for cancer treatment are also highlighted.