Diverse Functions of Extracellular Vesicles in Ovarian Cancer

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play various roles in cancer progression, mediating intercellular signaling. EVs carry bioactive substances such as ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and proteins, each providing important functions in whole biological fields, not only in cancer. Particularly in clinical oncology, EVs have attracted much attention owing to their promising potential as new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Ovarian cancer is one of the major causes of gynecologic cancer deaths and is often asymptomatic in the early stages; therefore, biomarkers that enable early diagnosis are critical to improving patient survival. Ovarian cancer cells easily spread through the abdominal cavity rather than through the bloodstream, forming direct metastatic foci in organs such as peritoneal membranes or omentum. The disease is treated multimodally with surgery and chemotherapy, even in advanced stages, and a certain degree of response to treatment is observed. However, most relapsed cancer gradually acquired resistance to chemotherapies. We have investigated various EV molecules in ovarian cancer and shown their clinical utility. In addition, the heterogeneity of EVs has emerged as a recent topic, and we have developed and used novel techniques to understand them. Applying these findings to clinical practice, EV-based approaches have the potential to revolutionize ovarian cancer management, enabling early detection, personalized monitoring, and targeted therapy. Continued innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration will be key to realizing the full potential of EV translational research to improve outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.