Exosomal crosstalk between breast cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages: mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Among women worldwide, breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent and deadly form of cancer. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of BC, playing an indispensable role in the development and treatment of BC. Recent studies have shown that exosomes are important mediators of communication between tumor cells and TAMs. On the one hand, exosomes from tumor cells can regulate the function of TAMs. On the other hand, TAMs influence the pathogenesis, progression, and metastasis of BC by exosomes. Meanwhile, possible therapeutic options targeting exosomes between BC and TAMs, such as biomarkers, influencing the release and uptake of exosomes, and drug delivery systems, have become the frontiers of BC therapy. This review summarizes new developments in exosome-mediated communication between BC and TAMs. The focus is on the role and mechanism of exosomes. At the same time, we discuss possible therapeutic options for targeting exosomes between BC and TAMs to provide new ideas for the treatment of BC.