Exosomes in melanoma: Future potential for clinical theranostics

Abstract

Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, presents significant therapeutic challenges due to its resistance to conventional treatments and propensity for metastasis. Exosomes, nanoscale vesicles secreted by a wide variety of cells, have emerged as promising tools for developing novel melanoma therapies. Exosome-based therapeutic approaches offer several advantages, including inherent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and the ability to cross biological barriers. This review explores the therapeutic potential of exosomes in melanoma treatment, focusing on their multifaceted roles in modulating tumor cell behavior, enhancing anti-tumor immune responses, and serving as targeted drug delivery vehicles. We discuss various strategies employed to engineer exosomes for enhanced therapeutic efficacy, including loading them with chemotherapeutic agents, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and immunomodulatory molecules. Additionally, we highlight the potential of exosomes derived from diverse sources to enhance anti-cancer effects. Furthermore, we address the challenges and future directions in translating exosome-based therapies from bench to bedside, emphasizing the need for standardized isolation and manufacturing protocols, as well as rigorous preclinical and clinical evaluations to unlock the full therapeutic potential of exosomes in the fight against melanoma.