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Published on: December 5, 2018
Extracellular Vesicles as Nanoparticle Delivery Vectors in Cancer Therapy
Maria Sancho-Albero1,2,3,4, Ana Martín-Pardillos1,3,4,5,6, Jose L Hueso1,2,3,4,7
1Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, Campus Rio Ebro, Edificio I+D, C/Poeta Mariano Esquillor, s/n, Zaragoza 50018, Spain.
Abstract:
Three decades after the approval of the first cancer nanomedicine, low (<1%) tumor delivery remains the central unsolved challenge in nanoparticle (NP)-based therapy. This barrier has prompted a research shift toward biologically derived delivery systems able to reduce immune clearance while preserving tumor-homing capabilities. In particular, extracellular vesicles (EVs) seem obvious candidates on account of their intrinsic biocompatibility, cell-specific tropism, and biological functionality. In this mini-review, we critically analyze EVs as nanoparticle delivery vectors in cancer therapy. We describe current EV engineering approaches, including loading methodologies, surface modification strategies, and the development of artificial or biomimetic EVs, highlighting technical, scalability, and characterization challenges. We also summarize key in vitro and in vivo results, addressing encapsulation strategy, biodistribution, and therapeutic outcomes. From this discussion, we outline research needs that must be addressed to develop EV-NP hybrids as tools to overcome the delivery challenge in cancer.
Insights
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise for cancer nanomedicine delivery, overcoming low tumor accumulation. Engineering EVs and developing EV-nanoparticle (NP) hybrids are key to improving cancer therapy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Low tumor delivery (<1%) remains a critical challenge for nanoparticle (NP)-based cancer nanomedicine.
- Biologically derived delivery systems are emerging as a solution to reduce immune clearance and enhance tumor homing.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer intrinsic biocompatibility, cell-specific tropism, and biological functionality for drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze extracellular vesicles (EVs) as nanoparticle delivery vectors for cancer therapy.
- To review current EV engineering approaches and their associated challenges.
- To outline research needs for developing EV-nanoparticle (NP) hybrids to overcome delivery barriers in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on EV engineering for cancer nanomedicine.
- Analysis of EV loading methodologies and surface modification strategies.
- Examination of artificial or biomimetic EV development.
Main Results:
- EVs demonstrate potential for improved cancer therapy due to their inherent properties.
- Technical, scalability, and characterization challenges exist in current EV engineering approaches.
- Key in vitro and in vivo results regarding encapsulation, biodistribution, and therapeutic outcomes are summarized.
Conclusions:
- EVs are promising candidates for overcoming nanoparticle delivery challenges in cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to address engineering and characterization hurdles for EV-NP hybrids.
- Development of EV-NP hybrids is crucial for advancing cancer nanomedicine.
