Open Access

REVIEW

Research progress on the role of adipocyte exosomes in cancer progression

YUN WANG¹, XIAOJIANG LI², DALONG LIU², ZHIFENG WANG³, JICHEN XIA⁴, LIJUN WANG⁵, XUDONG ZHANG^6,*

1 Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
2 Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
3 Department of Internal Medicine, Changchun Chaoyang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130061, China
4 Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Jilin Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Jilin Province, Jilin, 132012, China
5 Department of Oncology, Liaoyuan Second People’s Hospital, Liaoyuan, 136299, China
6 Department of Brain Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China

* Corresponding Author: XUDONG ZHANG. Email:

Oncology Research 2024, 32(10), 1649-1660. https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2024.043482

Received 03 July 2023; Accepted 07 April 2024; Issue published 18 September 2024

Abstract

Exosomes, minute vesicles ubiquitously released by diverse cell types, serve as critical mediators in intercellular communication. Their pathophysiological relevance, especially in malignancies, has garnered significant attention. A meticulous exploration of the exosomal impact on cancer development has unveiled avenues for innovative and clinically valuable techniques. The cargo conveyed by exosomes exerts transformative effects on both local and distant microenvironments, thereby influencing a broad spectrum of biological responses in recipient cells. These membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in delivering bioactive molecules among cells and organs. Cellular and biological processes in recipient cells, ranging from stromal cell reprogramming to immunological responses, extracellular matrix formation, and modulation of cancer cell activation, expansion, and metastasis, are subject to exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, exosomes have been implicated in endowing cancer cells with resistance to treatment. Extensive research has explored the potential of exosomes as therapeutic targets and diagnostic indicators. This comprehensive review seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the pivotal components and roles of exosomes in tumorigenesis, growth, progression, and therapeutic responses. The insights into the multifaceted involvement of exosomes in malignant cancers are essential for the scientific community, fostering the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies in the relentless pursuit of cancer.

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