Bladder Cancer in Exosomal Perspective: Unraveling New Regulatory Mechanisms

Int J Nanomedicine. 2024 Apr 22:19:3677-3695. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S458397. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Bladder cancer, a prevalent malignant neoplasm of the urinary tract, exhibits escalating morbidity and mortality rates. Current diagnosis standards rely on invasive and costly cystoscopy and histopathology, underscoring the urgency for non-invasive, high-throughput, and cost-effective novel diagnostic techniques to ensure timely detection and standardized treatment. Recent years have witnessed the rise of exosome research in bladder cancer studies. Exosomes contain abundant bioactive molecules that can help elucidate the intricate mechanisms underlying bladder cancer pathogenesis and metastasis. Exosomes hold potential as biomarkers for early bladder cancer diagnosis while also serving as targeted drug delivery vehicles to enhance treatment efficacy and mitigate adverse effects. Furthermore, exosome analyses offer insights into the complex molecular signaling networks implicated in bladder cancer progression, revealing novel therapeutic targets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of prevalent exosome isolation techniques and highlights the promising clinical utility of exosomes in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications in bladder cancer management.

Keywords: biomarkers; bladder cancer; exosomes; isolation methods; treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor* / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Exosomes* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor