X. Wu, C. Chen, and co-workers develop mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods (Au@ SiO2) as a versatile platform for imaging, chemotherapeutics, and hyperthermia. The Au@ SiO2 thus keeps both the unique functions of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and gold nanorods, and also provides a new functionality: lightcontrolled drug release. With integrated functions, such multifunctional theranostic systems are critical to optimize therapeutic efficacy and to improve safety of therapeutic regimes. They will provide more opportunities for on-demand therapy, paving the way to personalized medicine.