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Updated: Sep 12, 2025

An Enrichment Method for Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Liver Cancer Tissue
Published on: February 3, 2023
Advances in extracellular Vesicle-based cancer precision medicine
Hema Saranya Ilamathi1, Gina Rinaldo1, Oscar Pb Wiklander1
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Unit for Biomolecular and Cellular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Breast Center, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska ATMP Center, ANA Futura, Huddinge, Sweden.
Abstract:
Cancer precision medicine has spurred tremendous research interest in recent years. An emerging field in cancer therapy utilizes extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are natural nanoparticles that are now recognized as key players in intercellular communication. With targeting potential and their inherent ability to transport molecules, EVs demonstrate great promise in the field of drug delivery. Targeted oncotherapy aims to hit the cancer's bull's eye while avoiding off-target effects associated with traditional treatment strategies. However, the dynamic nature of cancer cells limits the effectiveness of treatment based solely on cancer antigens. The tumour microenvironment is an important factor in cancer development and progression, providing yet another means to target. In this review, we discuss potential tumour microenvironment-associated antigens that have been tested in preclinical and clinical trials. We also discuss how EVs could be engineered to target these antigens in a multi-armed cancer therapy.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise for targeted cancer therapy by delivering drugs. Engineering EVs to target tumor microenvironment antigens offers a multi-pronged approach to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Cancer precision medicine is rapidly advancing.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are natural nanoparticles crucial for intercellular communication.
- EVs possess inherent drug-transporting capabilities and targeting potential for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review tumor microenvironment-associated antigens for cancer therapy.
- To explore the engineering of EVs for multi-armed cancer treatment strategies.
- To discuss the potential of EVs in targeted oncotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical trial data on tumor microenvironment-associated antigens.
- Discussion of EV engineering techniques for targeted delivery.
- Analysis of EVs as drug delivery vehicles in cancer treatment.
Main Results:
- Tumor microenvironment antigens present viable targets for cancer therapy.
- EVs can be engineered to target specific antigens.
- Multi-armed therapy using engineered EVs shows promise.
Conclusions:
- EVs offer a promising platform for targeted cancer drug delivery.
- Targeting the tumor microenvironment alongside cancer antigens can improve therapeutic outcomes.
- Engineered EVs represent a novel strategy for advanced cancer treatment.
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