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Plant-derived extracellular vesicles: an alternative and complementary therapeutic approach for genitourinary tumors
Yuqing Huang1, Yunmeng Zhang2, Kecheng Lou3
1Department of Urology, Jiujiang University Clinic College/Hospital, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China.
Abstract:
Over the past four decades, the incidence of genitourinary tumors has risen significantly, becoming a major global health concern. This trend necessitates the exploration of more effective treatment strategies. Although considerable progress has been made in treatments such as endocrine, immune, and targeted therapies, these malignancies often remain uncontrolled, especially when metastatic. Recent advances in nanobiomedicine have revealed plant-derived extracellular vesicles as a novel and promising anti-cancer therapeutic option. These natural nanoparticles exhibit high biocompatibility, targeted delivery capability, and renewable properties, positioning them at the forefront of innovative cancer treatment strategies. Their inherent anti-cancer properties-such as inducing cell cycle arrest, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting metastasis-may offer new alternatives for treating genitourinary cancers. This review summarizes current research on plant-based treatments for genitourinary tumors, focusing on the potential mechanisms and applications of plant-derived extracellular vesicles, thereby suggesting new nanoscale alternative and complementary therapeutic avenues.
Insights
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles show promise for treating genitourinary tumors. These natural nanoparticles offer biocompatible, targeted delivery and anti-cancer effects, suggesting new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Plant Biotechnology
Background:
- Genitourinary tumors show increasing incidence globally, posing a significant health challenge.
- Current treatments like endocrine, immune, and targeted therapies are often insufficient for metastatic disease.
- Nanobiomedicine offers novel therapeutic strategies, with plant-derived extracellular vesicles emerging as a promising option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on plant-based treatments for genitourinary tumors.
- To explore the potential mechanisms and applications of plant-derived extracellular vesicles in cancer therapy.
- To highlight plant-derived extracellular vesicles as a novel nanoscale therapeutic avenue.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on plant-derived extracellular vesicles for genitourinary cancers.
- Analysis of the anti-cancer properties of plant-derived extracellular vesicles, including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and metastasis inhibition.
- Evaluation of the biocompatibility, targeted delivery, and renewability of these natural nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Plant-derived extracellular vesicles demonstrate significant anti-cancer activities relevant to genitourinary tumors.
- These nanoparticles possess favorable characteristics such as high biocompatibility and targeted delivery capabilities.
- Research suggests potential for plant-derived extracellular vesicles to overcome limitations of current therapies, especially in metastatic settings.
Conclusions:
- Plant-derived extracellular vesicles represent a promising, natural, and sustainable therapeutic strategy for genitourinary tumors.
- Their unique properties offer potential for alternative and complementary treatments, particularly for refractory or metastatic cancers.
- Further research into plant-derived extracellular vesicles could lead to innovative nanomedicine-based cancer therapies.
