Extracellular Vesicles in Cancer Cachexia: Deciphering Pathogenic Roles and Exploring Therapeutic Horizons

Overview

Journal J Transl Med

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties Biomedical Engineering
General Medicine

Date 2024 May 27

PMID 38802952

Authors

Yifeng Wang

Shengguang Ding

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a debilitating syndrome that affects 50-80% of cancer patients, varying in incidence by cancer type and significantly diminishing their quality of life. This multifactorial syndrome is characterized by muscle and fat loss, systemic inflammation, and metabolic imbalance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, play a crucial role in the progression of CC. These vesicles, produced by cancer cells and others within the tumor environment, facilitate intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. A comprehensive review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science reveals insights into the formation, release, and uptake of EVs in CC, underscoring their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The review also explores therapeutic strategies targeting EVs, which include modifying their release and content, utilizing them for drug delivery, genetically altering their contents, and inhibiting key cachexia pathways. Understanding the role of EVs in CC opens new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, potentially mitigating the syndrome's impact on patient survival and quality of life.

Citing Articles

Regulatory Roles of Exosomes in Aging and Aging-Related Diseases.

Xiao N, Li Q, Liang G, Qian Z, Lin Y, Zhang H Biogerontology. 2025; 26(2):61.

PMID: 39966192 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-025-10200-7.

Extracellular vesicles in tumor-adipose tissue crosstalk: key drivers and therapeutic targets in cancer cachexia.

Ramos C, Pires J, Gonzalez E, Garcia-Vallicrosa C, Reis C, Falcon-Perez J Extracell Vesicles Circ Nucl Acids. 2024; 5(3):371-396.

PMID: 39697630 PMC: 11648493. DOI: 10.20517/evcna.2024.36.

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