Exosomes as Biomarkers in Cancer Detection and Monitoring

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, including tumor cells, that primarily carry biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, DNA, and RNA. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) reflect the molecular signature of parent tumor cells, making them valuable for cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment evaluation. Exosomes have emerged as a promising tool to advance precision oncology as biomarkers in cancer detection and monitoring.

One of the main advantages of exosome-based biomarkers is that they are present in body fluids, such as blood, urine, and saliva, allowing for non-invasive or minimally invasive cancer diagnosis. This makes it possible to detect cancer at an early stage, monitor its progression, or track response to treatment without the need for invasive procedures such as biopsies. Exosomes can carry specific oncogenic signatures, such as mutant DNA or tumor-associated proteins, which can serve as reliable indicators of the presence and type of cancer.

In cancer detection, exosomes provide insights into tumor heterogeneity and metastasis. For example, exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) carried by exosomes can reveal information about genetic mutations or regulatory pathways that drive tumor growth. These molecular signatures can be used to tailor treatment strategies based on the specific characteristics of the tumor.

In addition, exosomes are also crucial in monitoring the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Changes in exosome molecules during treatment can indicate whether the tumor is responding to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. By tracking these changes, clinicians can adjust treatment plans in real time, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary side effects.

In summary, exosomes provide a powerful platform for cancer detection and monitoring, and can greatly enhance the potential of personalized cancer treatments by providing non-invasive, real-time insights into tumor biology and treatment response.

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References

[1] Amy Makler et al., Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020 (DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1731308)

[2] Zhengfan Gao et al., Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 2021 (https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2021.679527 )