Abstract
Exosomes are nanovesicles part of a recently described intercellular communication system. Their properties seem promising as a biomarker in cancer research, where more sensitive monitoring and therapeutic applications are desperately needed. In the case of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), overall survival often remains poor, although huge technological advancements in the treatment of this disease have been made. In the following review, diagnostic and therapeutic properties are highlighted and summarised. Impressive first results have been obtained but more research is needed to implement these innovative techniques into daily clinical routines.
Highlights
After the discovery of exosomes decades ago, they have moved into spotlight for various applications
Because of the described properties above, exosomes are ideal candidates to be used as biomarkers and for implementation in new cancer therapies
If exosomes will be implicated in daily clinical routine, a standardised, time-saving procedure needs to be developed, which is less prone to errors
Summary
After the discovery of exosomes decades ago, they have moved into spotlight for various applications. Their potential as promising biomarkers, especially in cancer, has led to new research approaches making personalised medicine more reachable. In the field of head and neck cancer, biomarkers that simplify diagnosis and treatment are scarce. Head and neck cancer is the sixth leading cancer by incidence worldwide with a poor five-year overall survival rate of 50% [1]. As diagnosis is tedious, needing a lot of clinical experience as well as resources, and the available therapies are toxic and have a huge impact on quality of life, validated biomarkers would support treatment stratification with improved outcome and reduced toxicity. Changes of exosomal levels with cancer, under radiation and chemotherapy are discussed and therapeutic options like vaccination, immunomodulation and elimination are studied
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