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Published on: May 24, 2019
Exosomes in Genitourinary Cancers: Emerging Mediators of Drug Resistance and Promising Biomarkers
Zeyi Lu1, Yuanlei Chen1, Wenqin Luo1
1Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Drug resistance presents a major obstacle in the treatment of genitourinary cancers. Exosomes as the medium of intercellular communication serve important biological functions and play essential roles in pathological processes, including drug response. Through the transfer of bioactive cargoes, exosomes can modulate drug resistance via multiple mechanisms. This review attempts to elucidate the mechanisms of exosomal cargoes with reference to tumor drug resistance, their role in genitourinary cancers, and their potential clinical applications as candidate biomarkers in liquid biopsy.
Insights
Exosomes mediate drug resistance in genitourinary cancers by transferring bioactive molecules. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new liquid biopsy biomarkers for improved cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Drug resistance is a significant challenge in treating genitourinary cancers.
- Exosomes, involved in intercellular communication, play a role in drug response and resistance.
- Exosomes transfer bioactive molecules that can influence cancer cell behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which exosomal cargoes contribute to tumor drug resistance.
- To explore the specific role of exosomes in genitourinary cancers.
- To discuss the potential of exosomes as biomarkers in liquid biopsy for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on exosomes, drug resistance, and genitourinary cancers.
- Analysis of mechanisms of exosomal cargo transfer and their impact on drug response.
- Evaluation of current and potential clinical applications of exosomes.
Main Results:
- Exosomes can confer drug resistance through various mechanisms, including the transfer of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
- Specific exosomal components have been implicated in resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies in genitourinary malignancies.
- Exosomes show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for detecting and monitoring cancer progression and treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Exosomes are key mediators of drug resistance in genitourinary cancers.
- Targeting exosome-mediated communication pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies.
- Exosomes hold significant potential as biomarkers for liquid biopsy, aiding in personalized cancer treatment.
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