Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer: From Isolation and Characterization to Metastasis, Drug Resistance, and Clinical Applications

Authors

Ancuta Jurj
Doru Paul
George A Calin

Publication Date

7-8-2025

Journal

BMC Cancer

DOI

10.1186/s12885-025-14375-7

PMID

40629268

PMCID

PMC12235885

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

7-8-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Cancer progression, along with other hallmarks of cancer, is sustained through bidirectional cell-to-cell communication. This function is primarily facilitated by lipid-rich nanoparticles expelled into the extracellular matrix by stromal and/or malignant cells. These entities, known as extracellular vesicles, contain a vast repertoire of bioactive molecules and hold promise as potential biomarkers and nanovehicles for drug delivery. Intriguingly, the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the functions of extracellular vesicles remain poorly understood. In the present manuscript, we highlight the intracellular and intercellular journey of extracellular vesicles, from their inception to the present day, their implications in various hallmarks of cancer, and their clinical applications.

Keywords

Humans, Extracellular Vesicles, Neoplasms, Drug Resistance, Neoplasm, Cell Communication, Neoplasm Metastasis, Animals, Drug Delivery Systems, Extracellular vesicles, Cancer progression, Drug resistance, Biomarkers

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Ancuta Jurj, Doru Paul, and George A Calin, "Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer: From Isolation and Characterization to Metastasis, Drug Resistance, and Clinical Applications" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 5434.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/5434