Exosome: The hidden messengers in cancer detection and immunotherapy

Abstract

Cancer continues to pose a significant global health challenge, driving the need for innovative approaches in early detection and treatment management. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by various cell types, play a pivotal role in intercellular communication by transferring molecular cargo between donor and recipient cells. They have emerged as key players in cancer progression and therapy. Exosomes contribute to tumor growth by mediating immune suppression, drug resistance, and metastasis. Yet, their distinctive properties also present them as valuable tools for cancer diagnosis. Tumor-derived exosomes, abundant in body fluids, are promising candidates for liquid biopsies, offering non-invasive biomarkers that can aid in cancer detection, prognosis, and real-time monitoring of disease progression. Beyond diagnostics, exosomes are at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy, particularly in developing exosome-based vaccines and targeted therapies. Their capacity to deliver molecular cargo directly to cancer or immune cells allows personalized and highly effective cancer treatments. This review explores the current understanding of exosomes in cancer biology, underscores their emerging diagnostic potential, and examines their transformative role in advancing future cancer immunotherapy strategies.