Mechanisms of function and clinical potential of exosomes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. (28th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Lijun; Yu, Lili; Wang, Xiangpeng; He, Jangtao; Zhu, Xiaofei; Zhang, Rui; Yang, Angang
• Is Part Of: Cancer letters. Volume 553(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-28
• Subjects: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma -- Exosome -- Biomarker -- Drug delivery -- Novel therapies; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215993
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3835

Abstract

Abstract: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains one of the most lethal and widespread malignancies in China. Exosomes, a subset of tiny extracellular vesicles manufactured by all cells and present in all body fluids, contribute to intercellular communication and have become a focus of the search for new therapeutic strategies for cancer. A number of global analyses of exosome-mediated functions and regulatory mechanism in malignant diseases have recently been reported. There is extensive evidence that exosomes can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for cancer. However, our understanding of their clinical value and mechanisms of action in ESCC is still limited and has not been systematically reviewed. Here, we review current research specifically focused on the functions and mechanisms of action of ESCC tumor-derived exosomes and non-ESCC-derived exosomes in ESCC progression and describe opportunities and challenges in the clinical translation of exosomes. Highlights: Exosomes can be beneficial or harmful, and their function and mechanism depend on the cell type and conditions. Exosomal "cargoes" (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, lipids) are valuable biomarkers of ESCC. Exosomes have been explored as drug delivery systems and novel therapies in the precision therapy of tumors. The research and exploration to realize the clinical transformation of the medical value of exosome in ESCC are on the way.