Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) persists among the most lethal and broad-spreading malignancies in China. The exosome is a kind of extracellular vesicle (EV) from about 30 to 200 nm in diameter, contributing to the transfer of specific functional molecules, such as metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The paramount role of exosomes in the formation and development of ESCC, which relies on promoting intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment (TME), is manifested with immense amounts. Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) participate in most hallmarks of ESCC, including tumorigenesis, invasion, angiogenesis, immunologic escape, metastasis, radioresistance, and chemoresistance. Published reports have delineated that exosome-encapsulated cargos like miRNAs may have utility in the diagnosis, as prognostic biomarkers, and in the treatment of ESCC. This review summarizes the function of exosomes in the neoplasia, progression, and metastasis of ESCC, which improves our understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of ESCC, and presents a promising target for early diagnostics in ESCC. However, recent studies of exosomes in the treatment of ESCC are sparse. Thus, we introduce the advances in exosome-based methods and indicate the possible applications for ESCC therapy in the future.
Highlights
Esophageal cancer ranks the seventh most prevalent malignancy and the sixth-highest cancerrelated mortality globally [1]
Substantial evidence has delineated that exosomes and their inclusion, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and other biological complexes, significantly affect cellular pathways and mediate pathophysiology behaviors, involving cell growth oncogenesis and tumor differentiation
extracellular vesicle (EV) may act as biomarkers for early Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, or prognosis evaluation
Summary
Esophageal cancer ranks the seventh most prevalent malignancy and the sixth-highest cancerrelated mortality globally [1]. Esophageal cancer is broadly divided into esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma [2]. The incidence of esophageal cancer in men is approximately three to four times that in women and varies among countries [3]. The highest rates of ESCC are found in Eastern Asia, where ESCC accounts for more than 90% of esophageal cancers [4]. Despite significant progress in diagnosis and treatment, ESCC is often identified late, which leads to delayed treatment. The reason for this challenge can be attributable to multiple aspects: in the early stage, ESCC is characterized by a lack of specific symptoms and definitive
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