 Nanomaterials have been used to improve the effectiveness of photothermal therapy for treating cancer. These materials can be used as photothermal absorbers, drug delivery vehicles, photoimmunological agents, or theranostic tools. Photothermal absorbers take advantage of the optical absorption of near-infrared light, which can heat up tumors without damaging healthy cells. Nanoparticles made from carbon nanotubes, gold nanorods, and graphene oxide sheets can be used to enhance photothermal therapies and target the effect on the tumor tissue. Drug delivery vehicles can be used to deliver drugs directly to the tumor site, while photoimmunological agents can activate immune responses against cancer cells. Finally, theranostic tools combine imaging therapeutic capabilities, allowing doctors to monitor the progress of treatment and adjust it accordingly. This article was authored by Austin C. V. Dowdy, Ashley R. Hoover, Eli Violaden, and others.