Role of cancer stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in cancer progression and metastasis

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Numerous strategies have been developed for cancer treatment. Metastasis, heterogeneity, chemotherapy resistance, recurrence, and evasion of immune surveillance are the primary reasons for the failure of cancer treatment. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) can give rise to tumors via self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. They show resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and have a strong capability of invasion and metastasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are bilayered vesicles that carry biological molecules and are released under both healthy and unhealthy conditions. It has been shown that one of the leading causes of cancer treatment failure is cancer stem cell-derived EVs (CSC-EVs). CSC-EVs have essential roles in tumor progression, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and immunosuppressants. In the future, controlling EV production in CSCs may be one of the most promising strategies to stop cancer treatment failures. •EVs play pivotal role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression, especially metastasis.•Targeting EV biogenesis mediators may provide a higher survival rate for cancer patients.•Controlling EV secretion of CSCs would be a promising strategy to overcome cancer.