Recent Advancements on the Use of Exosomes as Drug Carriers for the Treatment of Glioblastoma

Life (Basel). 2023 Apr 7;13(4):964. doi: 10.3390/life13040964.

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive cancer of the brain. Presently, GBM patients have a poor prognosis, and therapy primarily aims to extend the life expectancy of affected patients. The current treatment of GBM in adult cases and high-grade gliomas in the pediatric population involves a multimodal approach that includes surgical resection followed by simultaneous chemo/radiotherapy. Exosomes are nanoparticles that transport proteins and nucleic acids and play a crucial role in mediating intercellular communication. Recent evidence suggests that these microvesicles may be used as biological carriers and offer significant advantages in targeted therapy. Due to their inherent cell-targeting properties, circulation stability, and biocompatibility, exosomes are emerging as promising new carriers for drugs and biotherapeutics. Furthermore, these nanovesicles are a repository of potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. In this review, we focus on the therapeutic potentials of exosomes in nano-delivery and describe the latest evidence of their use as a therapeutic tool in GBM.

Keywords: exosomes; glioblastoma; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This work was also supported by the Italian Ministry of Health with “Current Research” funds.