Abstract IA21: Exploiting the biology of exosomes for diagnosis and treatment of cancer

Abstract

Abstract Humans circulate trillions of exosomes at all times. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with a size range of 40-150 nm and a lipid bilayer membrane and are released by all cell types. Normal exosomes contain DNA, RNA, and proteins. Some proteins such as CD9, CD63, and flotillin are often detected on the surface of exosomes and serve as markers. Exosomes likely remove excess and/or unnecessary constituents from the cells, functioning like garbage bags. Although their precise physiologic role remains largely unknown, is it suggested that exosomes may mediate specific cell-cell communication and activate signaling pathways in cells they fuse or interact with. Exosomes are detected in the tumor microenvironment, and emerging evidence suggests that they play a role in facilitating tumorigenesis by regulating angiogenesis, immunity, and metastasis. Circulating exosomes could be used as liquid biopsies and noninvasive biomarkers to potentially inform on early detection and diagnosis of cancer patients. Exosomes can be used for the treatment of cancer. This lecture will highlight some of the recent advances in the area of exosomes’ biology and their utility in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Additionally, the use of exosomes in personalized therapy for cancer patients will be discussed. Citation Format: Raghu Kalluri. Exploiting the biology of exosomes for diagnosis and treatment of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Liquid Biopsies; Jan 13-16, 2020; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(11_Suppl):Abstract nr IA21.