Advances in exosomes utilization for clinical applications in cancer

Trends Cancer. 2024 Oct;10(10):947-968. doi: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.010. Epub 2024 Aug 20.

Abstract

Exosomes are regarded as having transformative potential for clinical applications. Exosome-based liquid biopsies offer a noninvasive method for early cancer detection and real-time disease monitoring. Clinical trials are underway to validate the efficacy of exosomal biomarkers for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and predicting treatment responses. Additionally, engineered exosomes are being developed as targeted drug delivery systems that can navigate the bloodstream to deliver therapeutic agents to tumor sites, thus enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Exosomes also exhibit immunomodulatory properties, which are being harnessed to boost antitumor immune responses. In this review, we detail the latest advances in clinical trials and research studies, underscoring the potential of exosomes to revolutionize cancer care.

Keywords: biomarkers; cancer therapy; clinical applications; drug delivery; exosomes; immunotherapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liquid Biopsy / methods
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor