Exosome-mediated mechanisms in lung cancer metastasis and advancements in medical submission: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Lung cancer holds a prominent position in cancer-related fatalities, contributing to a quarter of all cancer deaths, with metastasis accounting for a significant majority of these mortalities. Recent investigations have placed a growing emphasis on exosomes and their intricate role in driving the advancement of lung cancer. These investigations have shown that exosomes have a role in both the metastatic and pre-metastatic phases of cancer development by facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune evasion, and angiogenesis. These nano-sized extracellular vesicles derived from lung tumors augment cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis as well as exert control over anti-tumor immune activities and drug resistance during lung cancer. Furthermore, exosomes are investigated as valuable tools for liquid biopsy assessment, offering potential applications in the prognosis and diagnosis of pulmonary carcinoma. With their distinctive attributes of biocompatibility, stability in circulation, reduced toxicity and tumor specificity, exosomes present a promising avenue for delivering therapeutic agents. The current understanding of exosome-mediated pathways and cargoes points towards a rich source of potential therapeutic targets for managing pulmonary carcinoma metastasis and assessing prognostic significance in prognosis, diagnosis and combating resistance to tumor-targeting drugs.