[Exosomes and cancer].
Exosomes are a subtype of vesicles released by cells of both healthy and neoplastic origin. Preclinical studies suggest a role for tumour-derived exosomes in tumour progression, mainly through the transfer of RNA and proteins from tumour cells to other cells. The transfer of RNA and proteins by tumour-derived exosomes seems to mediate stimulation of angiogenesis and suppression of immune cells; in contrast, exosomes from healthy cells of the immune system appear to have anti-tumour characteristics. Characterisation of the RNA or protein profile of tumour-derived exosomes could have diagnostic or prognostic value, for example, in brain tumours. Anti-tumour therapies could be based on exosomes, for example, by blocking the formation of tumour-derived exosomes or having exosomes release therapeutic agents at specific sites. The most advanced application of this is the use of exosomes from dendritic cells in tumour vaccination; the safety of this has been demonstrated in phase I studies.
Erasmus Medisch Centrum, Afd. Neurochirurgie, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Jeroen
J
de Vrij
S L Niek
SL
Maas
Joost P
JP
Hegmans
Martine L
ML
Lamfers
Clemens M F
CM
Dirven
Marike L D
ML
Broekman
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D055354:Exosomes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins