bims-exocan Biomed News
on Exosomes roles in cancer
Issue of 2024–09–22
four papers selected by
Muhammad Rizwan, COMSATS University



  1. Int Immunopharmacol. 2024 Sep 14. pii: S1567-5769(24)01654-0. [Epub ahead of print]142(Pt A): 113133
      Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from various cellular sources and have emerged as favorable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. These vesicles contain a variety of molecular components, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which can provide valuable information for cancer detection, classification, and monitoring. However, the clinical application of exosomes faces significant challenges, primarily related to the standardization and scalability of their use. In order to overcome these challenges, sophisticated methods such as liquid biopsy and imaging are being combined to augment the diagnostic capabilities of exosomes. Additionally, a deeper understanding of the interaction between exosomes and immune system components within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential. This review discusses the biogenesis and composition of exosomes, addresses the current challenges in their clinical translation, and highlights recent technological advancements and integrative approaches that support the role of exosomes in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
    Keywords:  Cancer; Diagnosis; Exosome
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113133
  2. Front Oncol. 2024 ;14 1458616
      Renal cell carcinoma is a urological malignancy with a high metastatic rate, while targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma still has much room for improvement. Some cutting-edge researches have focused on exosome in cancer treatment and there are some breakthroughs in breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Up to now, exosome in renal cell carcinoma progression and implications for targeted therapy has been under research by scientists. In this review, we have summarized the structure, formation, uptake, functions, and detection of exosomes, classified the mechanisms of exosomes that cause renal cell carcinoma progression, and listed the promising utilization of exosomes in targeted therapy for renal cell carcinoma. In all, based on the mechanisms of exosomes causing renal cell carcinoma progression and borrowing the successful experience from renal cell carcinoma models and other cancers, exosomes will possibly be a promising target for therapy in renal cell carcinoma in the foreseeable future.
    Keywords:  exosome; extracellular vesicles; renal cell carcinoma; targeted therapy; tumor progression
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1458616
  3. Cell Oncol (Dordr). 2024 Sep 19.
      Cancer continues to pose a global threat despite potent anticancer drugs, often accompanied by undesired side effects. To enhance patient outcomes, sophisticated multifunctional approaches are imperative. Small extracellular vesicles (EVs), a diverse family of naturally occurring vesicles derived from cells, offer advantages over synthetic carriers. Among the EVs, the exosomes are facilitating intercellular communication with minimal toxicity, high biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity. Their tissue-specific targeting ability, mediated by surface molecules, enables precise transport of biomolecules to cancer cells. Here, we explore the potential of exosomes as innovative therapeutic agents, including cancer vaccines, and their clinical relevance as biomarkers for clinical diagnosis. We highlight the cargo possibilities, including nucleic acids and drugs, which make them a good delivery system for targeted cancer treatment and contrast agents for disease monitoring. Other general aspects, sources, and the methodology associated with therapeutic cancer applications are also reviewed. Additionally, the challenges associated with translating exosome-based therapies into clinical practice are discussed, together with the future prospects for this innovative approach.
    Keywords:  Biomarkers; Cancer; Clinical trials; Drug delivery; Exosomes; Treatment
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13402-024-00990-2
  4. Pharmacol Res. 2024 Sep 14. pii: S1043-6618(24)00364-5. [Epub ahead of print]209 107419
      Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the sixth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Despite surgical resection being the preferred approach for early-stage HCC, most patients are diagnosed at intermediate to advanced stages, limiting treatment options to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which often yield poor outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), minute lipid-bilayered particles released by diverse cells under various physiological and pathological conditions, are crucial for mediating communication between cells. Mounting evidence indicates that EVs sourced from different cells can profoundly influence the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby affecting the progression of HCC. Given their immunogenicity and liver-targeting properties, these EVs not only hold promise for HCC treatment but also provide avenues for advancing early diagnostic methods and assessing prognosis. This review not only describes the function of EVs within the HCC tumor microenvironment but also analyzes their therapeutic advantages and explores their significance in various therapeutic approaches for HCC, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, combination therapy, and their role as innovative drug delivery carriers. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of EVs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
    Keywords:  Biomarker; Chemotherapy; Extracellular vesicles; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Immunotherapy; Tumor microenvironment
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107419