Tumor and cancer stem cells-derived exosomes interplay: A secret of cancer complications

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of tumor cells, efficient in self-renewal within the tumor and also play a vital role in cancer resistance and metastasis. Recent cancer research has focused on exosomes, a tiny subpopulation of extracellular vesicles (EVs), known for their role in intercellular communication, and significantly contributing to tumor development and metastasis (Tumor derived exosomes-TEXs). These exosomes complicate cancer treatment by promoting tumor and CSC formation and developing drug and therapeutic resistance. This article explores how tumor-derived exosomes impact CSC survival, proliferation, and resistance to therapies, leading to tumor recurrence. In a tumor microenvironment (TME), exosomes facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Targeting exosomes could disrupt CSC communication and improve cancer treatment efficacy. Current studies highlight the role of CSCs exosomes in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Understanding CSCs exosome-based cell-to-cell communication in tumor opens a new horizon in cancer therapeutics development.

Keywords

Cancer / Cancer stem cell / Drug resistance / Exosomes / Therapeutic resistance

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 The Author(s). Clinical and Translational Discovery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics.