Exosome-Mediated Strategies for Melanoma Eradication: A Comprehensive Review

Exosomes, which are vesicles that are naturally derived and contain a biomolecular payload, are promising vehicles for melanoma therapy because of their biocompatibility, targeting capabilities, and stability. This review emphasizes their capacity to circumvent the constraints of conventional treatments.

We carried out a comprehensive search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024 utilizing terms such as "exosomes," "melanoma," and "chemotherapy." Studies on exosome characterization or non-melanoma malignancies were excluded from the inclusion criteria, which centered on exosome-based therapeutics.

Drugs delivered via exosomes, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and chemotherapeutics, demonstrated enhanced tumor accumulation, achieving 2.5 times greater bioavailability and resulting in a tumor reduction of 60 to 90% when compared to their free counterparts. Surface modifications, such as cRGD peptides, have been shown to enhance targeting capabilities, whereas exosome-mediated photodynamic therapy has been effective in augmenting reactive oxygen species generation and promoting apoptosis.

Exosomes tackle significant challenges such as drug resistance and systemic toxicity; however, they encounter obstacles related to scalability and immunogenicity. Their dual function in tumor advancement and treatment highlights the necessity for standardized protocols.

Exosome-based therapies signify a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of melanoma. Future endeavors should refine engineering methodologies, enhance production capabilities, and substantiate effectiveness through rigorous clinical trials.