This review discusses the advancements in photothermal therapy (PTT) using near-infrared (NIR) light for the treatment of bone tumors, particularly osteosarcoma. Bone tumors, especially osteosarcoma, are prevalent among children and adolescents, and conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have significant limitations. PTT has gained attention due to its minimal invasiveness and high selectivity. The review covers recent strategies to enhance tumor specificity, including targeting and localized activation of photosensitizers, and combinations with chemotherapies, immunotherapies, and other therapies. It also explores the use of bifunctional scaffolds for PTT and bone regeneration. The mechanisms and characteristics of PTT are discussed, highlighting the importance of light-sensitive materials, NIR penetration depth, and photothermal conversion efficiency. The review further examines the role of nanocarrier particles in targeted antitumor treatment, passive and active targeting strategies, and the combination of PTT with multiple therapies. The potential of PTT in enhancing tumor immunogenicity and modulating the tumor microenvironment is also explored, along with its integration with chemodynamic therapy. The challenges and prospects of photothermal combination therapy are addressed, emphasizing the need for further research to improve treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects.This review discusses the advancements in photothermal therapy (PTT) using near-infrared (NIR) light for the treatment of bone tumors, particularly osteosarcoma. Bone tumors, especially osteosarcoma, are prevalent among children and adolescents, and conventional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have significant limitations. PTT has gained attention due to its minimal invasiveness and high selectivity. The review covers recent strategies to enhance tumor specificity, including targeting and localized activation of photosensitizers, and combinations with chemotherapies, immunotherapies, and other therapies. It also explores the use of bifunctional scaffolds for PTT and bone regeneration. The mechanisms and characteristics of PTT are discussed, highlighting the importance of light-sensitive materials, NIR penetration depth, and photothermal conversion efficiency. The review further examines the role of nanocarrier particles in targeted antitumor treatment, passive and active targeting strategies, and the combination of PTT with multiple therapies. The potential of PTT in enhancing tumor immunogenicity and modulating the tumor microenvironment is also explored, along with its integration with chemodynamic therapy. The challenges and prospects of photothermal combination therapy are addressed, emphasizing the need for further research to improve treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects.