Extracellular vesicles as cancer biomarkers and drug delivery strategies in clinical settings: Advances, perspectives, and challenges

Author(s)

Assuncao, Raphaela Rebeca Silveira ; Santos, Nathalia Leal ; Andrade, Luciana Nogueira de Sousa

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Clinics; v. 80, p. 8-pg., 2025-05-01.

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and despite the introduction of new therapeutic approaches for advanced cases aimed at improving patient survival, only a subset of patients benefits from a complete response. In this context, there is a growing need for new cancer biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, and the use of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) has been widely explored in various approaches. As circulating lipid-bilayer particles carrying a variety of biological information from tumor cells, EVs can be employed as good biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis, therapy evaluation, and as adjuvants in cancer treatment. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the different types of EVs and their biogenesis and discuss how tumor-derived EV cargo can serve as a potential biomarker in clinical settings through liquid biopsy. We also highlight recent advances in EV nanoengineering and their potential as adjuvants in cancer treatment. Finally, we discuss the key unknowns, gaps, and bottlenecks that must be addressed to fully integrate EVs into precision oncology. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 24/09411-8 - Engineered Extracellular Vesicles for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic RNA Nanoparticles to Melanoma Cells
• Grantee: Nathalia Leal Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 23/16355-4 - PHENOTYPING OF CIRCULATING EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES FROM MELANOMA PACIENTS IN RESPONSE TO TREATMENT WITH IMMUNE CHECKPOINT BLOCKADE
• Grantee: Raphaela Rebeca Silveira Assuncao
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master