Exosome-Mediated Strategies for Melanoma Eradication: A Comprehensive Review.

Introduction: Exosomes, which are vesicles that are naturally derived and contain a biomolecular payload, are promising vehicles for melanoma therapy because of their biocompatibility, targeting capabilities, and stability. This review emphasizes their capacity to circumvent the constraints of conventional treatments.

Methods: We carried out a comprehensive search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024 utilizing terms such as "exosomes," "melanoma," and "chemotherapy." Studies on exosome characterization or non-melanoma malignancies were excluded from the inclusion criteria, which centered on exosome-based therapeutics.

Results: Drugs delivered via exosomes, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and chemotherapeutics, demonstrated enhanced tumor accumulation, achieving 2.5 times greater bioavailability and resulting in a tumor reduction of 60 to 90% when compared to their free counterparts. Surface modifications, such as cRGD peptides, have been shown to enhance targeting capabilities, whereas exosome-mediated photodynamic therapy has been effective in augmenting reactive oxygen species generation and promoting apoptosis.

Discussion: Exosomes tackle significant challenges such as drug resistance and systemic toxicity; however, they encounter obstacles related to scalability and immunogenicity. Their dual function in tumor advancement and treatment highlights the necessity for standardized protocols.

Conclusion: Exosome-based therapies signify a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of melanoma. Future endeavors should refine engineering methodologies, enhance production capabilities, and substantiate effectiveness through rigorous clinical trials.