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The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Mediating Resistance to Anticancer Therapies

Saeideh Maleki1, James Jabalee1, Cathie Garnis1,2

  • 1Postgraduate Program in Interdisciplinary Oncology, Department of Integrative Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Cancer drug resistance is a major challenge. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from cancer cells mediate resistance by transferring genetic material, impacting treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Targeted cancer therapies have improved outcomes, but drug resistance remains a significant barrier to patient survival.
  • Multiple mechanisms contribute to resistance, including genetic alterations, drug metabolism, and DNA repair pathways.
  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for intercellular communication and play a role in tumor progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in mediating cancer drug resistance.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which EVs contribute to therapeutic challenges.
  • To highlight the importance of understanding EV-mediated resistance for developing novel treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating extracellular vesicles and cancer drug resistance.
  • Analysis of biochemical and genetic mechanisms of resistance.
  • Examination of EV cargo (proteins, genetic material) and their impact on tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • Cancer cell-derived EVs deliver proteins and genetic material, promoting tumor progression and metastasis.
  • EVs contribute to resistance against both conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
  • Specific EV components and pathways are implicated in mediating various resistance mechanisms.

Conclusions:

  • Extracellular vesicles are key mediators of cancer drug resistance.
  • Targeting EV-mediated communication presents a potential therapeutic strategy.
  • Further research into EV biology is essential for overcoming treatment resistance.
Keywords:
cancerchemoresistanceextracellular vesiclesmiRNAtumor microenvironment

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