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Progress in the application of exosomes as therapeutic vectors in tumor-targeted therapy

Xudong Xie1, Hongpei Wu1, Mei Li2

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.

Cytotherapy
|January 29, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Targeted cancer therapy utilizes engineered exosomes, natural nanoscale vesicles, to overcome limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. These biocompatible carriers show promise for improved cancer treatment efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, necessitating advanced treatment strategies.
  • Conventional targeted therapy faces challenges including cytotoxicity and low delivery efficiency.
  • Exosomes, natural nanoscale vesicles, offer superior biocompatibility and are emerging as novel therapeutic carriers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of targeted cancer therapy.
  • To introduce exosomes, detailing their structure, function, and isolation.
  • To explore the application of engineered exosomes in targeted therapies, focusing on mesenchymal stromal cell-derived exosomes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of targeted therapy and exosome research.
  • Analysis of exosome structural characteristics and physiological roles.
  • Discussion of engineered exosome applications and comparative analysis of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived exosomes.

Main Results:

  • Exosomes possess inherent biocompatibility, addressing limitations of synthetic nanoparticles.
  • Engineered exosomes demonstrate potential for enhanced drug and gene delivery in cancer.
  • Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived exosomes exhibit unique two-way regulatory effects in tumor therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Engineered exosomes represent a promising platform for next-generation targeted cancer therapies.
  • Further research into exosome engineering and clinical translation is warranted.
  • Exosomes offer a biocompatible and efficient alternative for cancer treatment delivery.
Keywords:
HEK293 cellcancerexosomemesenchymal stromal celltargeted therapytherapeutic cargostherapeutic vector

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