Melanoma-derived extracellular vesicles transfer proangiogenic factors

Angiogenesis, the expansion of pre-existing vascular networks, is crucial for normal organ growth and tissue repair, but is also involved in various pathologies, including inflammation, ischemia, diabetes, and cancer. In solid tumors, angiogenesis supports growth, nutrient delivery, waste removal, and metastasis. Tumors can induce angiogenesis through proangiogenic factors including VEGF, FGF-2, PDGF, angiopoietins, HGF, TNF, IL-6, SCF, tryptase, and chymase. This balance is disrupted in tumors, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to this by transferring proangiogenic factors and increasing their expression in endothelial cells (ECs). Malignant melanoma, a particular type of skin cancer, accounts for only 1% of skin cancer cases but more than 75% of deaths. Its incidence has risen significantly, with a 40% increase between 2012 and 2022, especially in fair-skinned populations. Advanced metastatic stages have a high mortality due to delayed diagnosis. This review examines the molecular basis of angiogenesis in melanoma, focusing on melanoma-derived EVs and their possible use in new antiangiogenic therapies.