Exosomes: Insights and therapeutic applications in cancer

Cancer refers to the division of abnormal cells at an uncontrollable rate that possesses the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal tissues. It frequently spreads to normal tissues throughout the body, a condition known as metastasis, which is a significant concern. It is the second leading cause of mortality globally and treatment therapy can assist in improving survival rates. Exosomes are the extracellular vesicles secreted by several cells that act as messengers between cells. When engineered, exosomes act as promising drug delivery vehicles that help achieve targeted action at the tumour site and reduce the limitations of conventional treatments such as castration, chemotherapy, radiation, etc. The present review provides an overview of exosomes, the biogenesis, sources, isolation methods and characterization. The current status and applications of chemotherapeutic agents loaded, engineered exosomes in cancer treatment were convoluted. An overview of Exosome biogenesis, Sources, Isolation, Characterization, Loading and Applications. Sources of Exosomes: A-milk from various dairy animals; B,C- mesenchymal stem cells; d- Dendritic cells; E- plant sources grapes; F- Ginger; G- microbial sources; Isolation Techniques: U- Ultracentrifugation; V- Polymer precipitation; W- Size exclusion chromatography; X-Immune affinity techniques; Characterization Methods: Y-Flow Cytometry; Z- Western Blotting; AA- Nanoparticle tracking analysis;AB- Electron Microscopy; AC-Dynamic Light scattering; Loading methods: H- polymer addition; I- Electroporation; J- Sonication; K- Transfection; l-Incubation Technique; M- Surfactants; Applications in cancer: NHepatocarcinoma; O- brain cancer; P- Pancreatic cancer; Q- Ovarian cancer; R- Lung cancer; S- sarcoma,T- Breast cancer. [Display omitted]