Currently, pyroptosis has received more and more attention because of its association with innate immunity and disease. The research scope of pyroptosis has expanded with the discovery of the gasdermin family. A great deal of evidence shows that pyroptosis can affect the development of tumors. The relationship between pyroptosis and tumors is diverse in different tissues and genetic backgrounds. In this review, we provide basic knowledge of pyroptosis, explain the relationship between pyroptosis and tumors, and focus on the significance of pyroptosis in tumor treatment. In addition, we further summarize the possibility of pyroptosis as a potential tumor treatment strategy and describe the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy caused by pyroptosis. In brief, pyroptosis is a double-edged sword for tumors. The rational use of this dual effect will help us further explore the formation and development of tumors, and provide ideas for patients to develop new drugs based on pyroptosis.

The unstable triplet excited state is a core problem when developing selfprotective room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in carbon dots (CDs). Here, fluorine and nitrogen codoped carbon dots (FNCDs) with long-lived triplet excited states, emitting pH-stabilized blue fluorescence and pHresponsive green self-protective RTP, are reported for the first time. The self-protective RTP of FNCDs arises from n-π * electron transitions for CN/CN bonds with a small energy gap between singlet and triplet states at room temperature. Moreover, the interdot/intradot hydrogen bonds and steric protection of CF bonds reduce quenching of RTP by oxygen at room temperature. The RTP emission of FNCDs shows outstanding reversibility, while the blue fluorescence emission has good pH stability. Based on these FNCDs, a data encoding/reading strategy for advanced anticounterfeiting is proposed via time-resolved luminescence imaging techniques, as well as steganography of complex patterns.

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