Abstract
Background: Exosomes play an important role in transferring information among different cell types, as
they transport materials from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm. They are involved not only in normal
physiological functions, but also in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. Cancer is a major health
problem affecting humans. Currently, exosomes are considered novel stars in tumor therapy.
Objective: To present a review focusing on the role of exosomes in tumorigenesis and development and the possibility of
treating tumors with exosome-targeted therapies or using exosomes as carriers.
Methods: We reviewed literature related to the biological origin and function of exosomes and exosome-tumor
relationship.
Results: Exosomes are closely related to tumor immunity, angiogenesis, pre-metastasis microenvironment,
chemoresistance, energy metabolism, etc. Tumor therapy involving the targeting of exosomes involves block the
generation, secretion, uptake of exosomes, and elimination of circulating exosomes, and develop antitumor vaccines.
Exosome as delivery vehicles can be loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs, therapeutic genes, and other therapeutic
drugs to target cells. Prospects and challenges of exosome-based tumor therapy are also discussed.
Conclusion: Exosomes are involved in multiple processes during tumor development and should be further studied
as novel targets for cancer therapy.
Keywords:
Exosomes, delivery vehicles, cancer therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, vaccines.
Graphical Abstract
[11]
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