Exosomes in Genitourinary Cancers: Emerging Mediators of Drug Resistance and Promising Biomarkers

Int J Biol Sci. 2023 Jan 1;19(1):167-182. doi: 10.7150/ijbs.78321. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Drug resistance presents a major obstacle in the treatment of genitourinary cancers. Exosomes as the medium of intercellular communication serve important biological functions and play essential roles in pathological processes, including drug response. Through the transfer of bioactive cargoes, exosomes can modulate drug resistance via multiple mechanisms. This review attempts to elucidate the mechanisms of exosomal cargoes with reference to tumor drug resistance, their role in genitourinary cancers, and their potential clinical applications as candidate biomarkers in liquid biopsy.

Keywords: drug resistance; exosome; genitourinary cancers.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Exosomes*
  • Humans
  • Liquid Biopsy
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Urogenital Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Biomarkers, Tumor