Extracellular vesicles-derived non-coding RNA in leukemias and pre-leukemic syndromes: a systematic review

Hematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, are among the most aggressive cancers, with high mortality rates and limited early diagnostic tools. Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by numerous cells including tumor cells, have emerged as promising biomarkers due to their stability, non-invasive isolation, and disease-specific molecular cargo, particularly non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs).

This systematic review, conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic potential of exosomal ncRNAs in hematological malignancies by analyzing 16 studies from five databases (Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ProQuest).

Key findings revealed that exosomal microRNAs, such as miR-532, miR-10b, and miR-21 in acute myeloid leukemia, miR-326 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and miR-494 in chronic myeloid leukemia, exhibit significant differential expression between patients and healthy controls, correlating with disease progression, treatment resistance, and survival outcomes. Moreover, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs were identified as potential biomarkers in myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemia. This review highlights the role of exosomal ncRNAs in liquid biopsies for early detection and monitoring. However, heterogeneity in isolation methods and sample sizes emphasizes the need for standardized protocols.

These findings highlight the transformative potential of exosomal ncRNAs in precision oncology, offering novel ways for non-invasive diagnostics, prognostic stratification, and targeted therapies in hematological malignancies. Additional studies are necessary to validate these biomarkers and explore their clinical applications.