2016 December 12; 30(6): 836–848. doi:10.1016/j.ccell.2016.10.009 | Annette Becker#1, Basant Kumar Thakur#1,3, Joshua Mitchell Weiss1, Han Sang Kim1,4, Hector Peinado1,2, and David Lyden1,5
Tumor-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication between tumor cells and stromal cells, influencing both primary tumor growth and metastasis. EVs orchestrate systemic pathophysiological processes such as coagulation, vascular leakiness, and stromal cell reprogramming to support pre-metastatic niche formation and subsequent metastasis. Clinically, EVs may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer progression, particularly in predicting and preventing metastatic development. The article reviews the various types of EVs, their physiological roles, and their impact on tumor progression, including the transfer of oncogenic molecules, immune modulation, and vascular leakiness. It also discusses the potential of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents, highlighting their role in drug delivery and immunotherapy. The authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the complex mechanisms of EVs in cancer and to develop effective strategies for their clinical application.Tumor-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in intercellular communication between tumor cells and stromal cells, influencing both primary tumor growth and metastasis. EVs orchestrate systemic pathophysiological processes such as coagulation, vascular leakiness, and stromal cell reprogramming to support pre-metastatic niche formation and subsequent metastasis. Clinically, EVs may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer progression, particularly in predicting and preventing metastatic development. The article reviews the various types of EVs, their physiological roles, and their impact on tumor progression, including the transfer of oncogenic molecules, immune modulation, and vascular leakiness. It also discusses the potential of EVs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents, highlighting their role in drug delivery and immunotherapy. The authors emphasize the need for further research to understand the complex mechanisms of EVs in cancer and to develop effective strategies for their clinical application.