Clinical Implications of Exosomes: Targeted Drug Delivery for Cancer Treatment

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 17;22(10):5278. doi: 10.3390/ijms22105278.

Abstract

Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles generated by cells for intercellular communication. Due to their composition, significant research has been conducted to transform these particles into specific delivery systems for various disease states. In this review, we discuss the common isolation and loading methods of exosomes, some of the major roles of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment, as well as discuss recent applications of exosomes as drug delivery vessels and the resulting clinical implications.

Keywords: exosome; lncRNAs; miRNAs; tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Exosomes / metabolism*
  • Exosomes / pathology
  • Exosomes / physiology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / drug effects
  • Tumor Microenvironment / physiology