Exosomes as Drug Delivery Vehicles for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that encapsulate a diverse range of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. They are involved in several biological processes and mediate intracellular communication. Recent reports that they exhibit unique traits in pathological conditions have generated significant interest in employing them as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Particularly, their potential to serve as drug delivery vehicles for the treatment of cancer and other diseases has been explored in numerous studies. This manuscript reviews recent developments in the field and discusses important considerations for further refinement of this approach and realization of more effective exosome-based drug delivery systems.

Exosome-Based Smart Drug Delivery Tool for Cancer Theranostics

“…Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advanced techniques to isolate exosomes include microfluidics, , lipid nanoprobes, , and thermo-acoustofluidic separation. , Exosome isolation is related to several methods, and their advantages and disadvantages are summarized in Table . In the experimental aspect, the appearance of an isolated exosome and exosome-specific biomarker analysis are explained in Figure …”

“…Efficient drug loading and sustained drug release via exosomes in and around the tumorigenic tissue depends on a complex, multifaceted set of factors . Based on clinical data and other medical research, there are specific drug delivery routes that exosomes should follow in order to reach the tumor target site. , Nowadays, several conventional and unconventional routes of administration for these vesicles have been tried by several clinical research groups, namely, parenteral, oral, intertumoral, intranasal, and intraperitoneal routes. − Needless to say, the appropriate choice of the route of administration of the drug in relation to the type of cancer it is dealing with is absolutely essential to the success of exosome delivery. Considering all the challenges and adversities, these exosome-based drug delivery targets pave a new way toward successful drug delivery and sustained drug release strategies in various tumors .…”

“… 39 Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advanced techniques 42 to isolate exosomes include microfluidics, 42 , 43 lipid nanoprobes, 44 , 45 and thermo-acoustofluidic separation. 46 , 47 Exosome isolation is related to several methods, and their advantages and disadvantages are summarized in Table 1 .…”

“… 71 Based on clinical data and other medical research, there are specific drug delivery routes that exosomes should follow in order to reach the tumor target site. 71 , 42 Nowadays, several conventional and unconventional routes of administration for these vesicles have been tried by several clinical research groups, namely, parenteral, oral, intertumoral, intranasal, and intraperitoneal routes. 72 − 74 Needless to say, the appropriate choice of the route of administration of the drug in relation to the type of cancer it is dealing with is absolutely essential to the success of exosome delivery.…”

Research Progress in Exosome-Based Nanoscale Drug Carriers in Tumor Therapies

“…Some research groups have begun isolating exosomes from several types of fruit or vegetables, including ginger, grapes, and lemons, to address problems related to a mammalian cell-derived exosome ( 59 , 60 ). These exosomes can load small molecules and mediate therapeutic effects on animal models ( 61 ). A phase I clinical trial using curcumin-loaded plant-based exosomes for the treatment of colon cancer was conducted.…”