Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer: Cell-to-Cell Mediators of Metastasis

Abstract

Tumor-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) are critical mediators of intercellular communication between tumor cells and stromal cells in local and distant microenvironments. Accordingly, EVs play an essential role in both primary tumor growth and metastatic evolution. EVs orchestrate multiple systemic pathophysiological processes, such as coagulation, vascular leakiness, and reprogramming of stromal recipient cells to support pre-metastatic niche formation and subsequent metastasis. Clinically, EVs may be biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for cancer progression, particularly for predicting and preventing future metastatic development.

Keywords: cancer; exosomes; extracellular vesicles; intercellular communication; metastasis; microvesicles; pre-metastatic niche.