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Extracellular Vesicles in Head and Neck Cancer-A Systematic Review
Abdallah Swaid1,2,3, Nadisha Piyarathne2, Andrea Holme4,5
1School of Dentistry University of Birmingham Birmingham UK.
Journal of Extracellular Biology
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) show promise in managing head and neck cancer (HNC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Further research is needed to standardize EV isolation and characterization for reliable biomarker and therapeutic applications in HNC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a significant global health concern, with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) serving as precursors.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer progression and hold potential for HNC management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in head and neck cancer (HNC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).
- To evaluate the potential of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HNC.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across five major electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science).
- PRISMA-2020 guidelines were followed, with 237 eligible articles included after screening 3705 initial records.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by independent reviewers, followed by thematic analysis and narrative synthesis.
Main Results:
- Extracellular vesicle (EV) research in HNC has grown significantly, particularly after 2020.
- Most studies utilized traditional isolation (ultracentrifugation) and characterization (TEM, flow cytometry) methods.
- Preclinical evidence highlights EVs' potential as biomarkers for early detection, prognostication, and therapeutic targets in HNC, though standardization is lacking.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play multifaceted roles in head and neck cancer (HNC) pathogenesis, including driving epithelial-mesenchymal transition, immune escape, and angiogenesis.
- EVs demonstrate significant promise as biomarkers for HNC detection and prognosis, and as potential therapeutic targets.
- Standardized protocols for EV isolation and characterization are crucial for advancing their clinical application in HNC management.
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