Advances in stem cell-derived exosome therapy for radiation-induced skin injury

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) represents a significant clinical challenge, affecting up to 95% of radiotherapy patients and often resulting in both acute and chronic complications that can severely impact quality of life. While conventional treatments show limited efficacy, stem cell-derived exosomes have emerged as a promising cell-free therapeutic approach. These nanoscale vesicles, which harbor bioactive chemicals derived from their progenitor stem cells, exhibit significant potential in facilitating tissue healing while mitigating the risks associated with cell-based therapies. This article reviews the therapeutic processes of exosomes produced from stem cells in the treatment of RISI, including their roles in reducing cellular senescence, promoting angiogenesis, modulating inflammation, and enhancing tissue regeneration. We examine 12 preclinical data and five clinical trials, assessing the efficacy of exosomes sourced from several stem cell types: mesenchymal, embryonic, and induced pluripotent stem cells. The review also addresses current challenges in exosome therapy development, including manufacturing scalability, characterization standards, and delivery optimization. Recent advances in clinical translation suggest that exosome-based treatments could revolutionize RISI management, offering a safer and potentially more effective alternative to existing therapies

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

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