Extracellular vesicles in cancer nanomedicine

Semin Cancer Biol. 2021 Feb:69:212-225. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.08.017. Epub 2019 Aug 14.

Abstract

To date, a lot of nanotechnological optitions are available for targeted drug delivery. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane structures that cells use for storage, transport, communication, and signaling. Recent research has focused on EVs as natural nanoparticles for drug delivery. This review sheds light on the application of EVs in cancer therapy, such as targeted chemotherapy, gene therapy, and vaccine development. Aspects of biogenesis, isolation, targeting, and loading of EVs are discussed in detail.

Keywords: Cancer; Exosomes; Extracellular vesicles; Nanodrug delivery; Vaccines.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Nanomedicine*
  • Nanoparticles / administration & dosage*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents