Exploring emerging concepts of exosomes for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics of brain cancers

Abstract

Brain cancers, a global menace with high mortality rates, remain a profound challenge, particularly in treating the most lethal type of malignant tumors like glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The crucial need for prompt identification and precise prognosis drives the exploration of exosomes as non-invasive tools. Exosomes are generated by various cells, especially malignant cells, facilitating intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment, fostering glioma progression by conveying molecular modifiers, and offering molecular insights. These attributes hold promise for enhancing glioma diagnosis and prognosis. These nanosized messengers influence cancer dynamics, aiding tailored treatment strategies for improved patient outcomes. This article outlines the significance of exosomes in glioma progression, highlighting recent advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies utilizing bioactive molecules as biomarkers like miRNAs, circ-RNAs, genes, and proteins in a variety of brain tumors, supported by advanced isolation and identification techniques. The relevance of circulating exosomes to various brain malignancies particularly glioblastoma, astrocytoma, craniopharyngiomas, meningioma, and more, has been discussed. It elucidates tumor immune cross-talk and underscores diagnostic-worthy exosomal biomarkers like miRNAs, circ-RNAs, genes, and proteins. Additionally, it delineates promising avenues for forthcoming investigations.