Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer: Biomarkers, Mechanisms, and Emerging Diagnostic Technologies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication in cancer.
• Tumor-derived EVs influence the tumor microenvironment, promoting metastasis and therapy resistance.
• EVs' stability and cargo make them valuable non-invasive cancer biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of EVs in cancer biology.
• To catalog emerging EV-based cancer biomarkers.
• To compare state-of-the-art EV detection technologies for diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent advances in EV enrichment, characterization, and molecular profiling.
• Analysis of technologies including ultracentrifugation, microfluidics, proteomics, and RNA sequencing.
• Exploration of machine learning integration and multiomic platforms for enhanced diagnostics.

Main Results:

• EVs play significant roles in angiogenesis, EMT, ECM remodeling, fibroblast activation, and immune evasion.
• EVs are emerging as powerful biomarkers for early detection, monitoring, and prognosis in various cancers.
• Technological advancements are expanding the diagnostic potential of EVs.

Conclusions:

• EVs are critical players in cancer progression and represent promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
• Advanced technologies, including machine learning and multiomics, are enhancing EV-based cancer detection and classification.
• This review provides a comprehensive reference for advancing EV-based diagnostics and precision oncology.