Insights into extracellular vesicle-based platforms on the way to cancer treatment

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• 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)

BACKGROUND: Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs) (≈30–150 nm) defined by a lipid bilayer that encloses an aqueous interior. This amphiphilic architecture permits the simultaneous encapsulation of hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphipathic compounds. Their endogenous biogenesis results in high biocompatibility, negligible immunogenicity, and the capacity to evade rapid clearance while crossing biological barriers. Additionally, the Surface antigens retained from the cell of origin provide exosomes with innate specificity, enabling efficient uptake by specific cell subpopulations. Studies have successfully engineered exosomes to transport inorganic nanoparticles, chemotherapeutic drugs, nucleic acids, and contrast agents, resulting in enhanced therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic sensitivity. Hybrid exosome systems, which integrate exosomes with supplementary carriers such as polymers, lipids, and nanoparticles, have been developed to further enhance their efficacy and expand the translational potential of exosome-based nanomedicine. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies focusing on the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of exosomes in cancer, including engineered and hybrid exosome systems. It was extended to include the most recent publications up to and including those r

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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