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Prognostic value of extracellular vesicles in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 0College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
Clinical & Translational Oncology : Official Publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico +

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April 9, 2025

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April 9, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in blood show prognostic value for colorectal cancer (CRC). Biomarkers and EV counts in blood can predict patient survival outcomes, aiding in CRC prognosis.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Biomolecular Medicine
  • Cancer Research

Background

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as crucial players in intercellular communication.
  • Their role as prognostic factors in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), is an active area of research.
  • Accurate prognostic markers are essential for tailoring treatment strategies in CRC patients.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To systematically evaluate the prognostic significance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To analyze the association between EVs, their biomarkers, and EV counts with patient survival outcomes (OS, DFS, RFS).

Main Methods

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, and CENTRAL databases.
  • Included studies focused on the association between EVs in body fluids of CRC patients and prognosis.
  • Meta-analysis and meta-regression were employed to assess associations and heterogeneity, using random or fixed-effects models as appropriate.

Main Results

  • Fifty-six studies involving 5,985 patients were analyzed, all detecting EVs in blood.
  • EV single-biomarkers, molecular panels within EVs, and EV counts were significantly associated with overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS).
  • Meta-regression identified EV subgroups and CRC disease stage as key contributors to heterogeneity.

Conclusions

  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) detected in blood possess significant prognostic value for colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • EV-based biomarkers and counts can serve as reliable indicators for predicting patient survival in CRC.
  • Further research into specific EV subgroups may refine their prognostic utility in CRC.

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