Investigating the Exosomes’ Compositions: An Inevitable Necessity in Cancer Treatment

  • Alireza Khanahmad Department of Hematology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
  • Mohammad Hossein Khazaee-Nasirabadi Department of Hematology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Keywords: Tumor, Cell-derived microparticle, Exosome, Metastasis.

Abstract

Introduction: Exosomes, small microvesicles of endosomal origin, play a pivotal role in intercellular communication and various physiological and pathological processes. All cell types, especially cancer cells, release exosomes. These vesicles can induce tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance by altering the tumor microenvironment and transferring their content to target cells.  Exosomes contain lipids, proteins, and genetic biomolecules such as DNA, mRNA, and miRNA with their contents varying depending on cell type and disease state. Despite their role in cancer progression, exosomes also show potential as therapeutic agents. They are effective carriers for targeted drug delivery due to their high biocompatibility and low immunogenicity. However, more extensive clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of exosome-based therapies. Oncology researchers are encouraged to investigate exosome contents more precisely and design new therapeutic strategies utilizing these vesicles.

Published
2024-06-23
Section
Articles