Microvesicles: the functional mediators in sorafenib resistance

Abstract

Overcoming drug resistance in cancer therapies remains challenging, and the tumor microenvironment plays an important part in it. Microvesicles (MVs) are functional natural carriers of cellular information, participate in intercellular communication, and dynamically regulate the tumor microenvironment. They contribute to drug resistance by transferring functional molecules between cells. Conversely, due to their specific cell or tissue targeting ability, MVs are considered as carriers for therapeutic molecules to reverse drug resistance. Thus, in this mini-review, we aim to highlight the crucial role of MVs in cell-to-cell communication and therefore their diverse impact mainly on liver cancer progression and treatment. In addition, we summarize the possible mechanisms for sorafenib resistance (one of the main hurdles in hepatocellular carcinoma treatments) and recent advances in using MVs to reverse sorafenib resistance in liver cancer therapies. Identifying the functional role of MVs in cancer therapy might provide a new aspect for developing precise novel therapeutics in the future.

Efficacy of Sorafenib-Based Therapies for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

“…In this study, the liposomal inhaled formulation had a greater encapsulation efficiency and drug content, low density, and enhanced lung absorption than the traditional delivery method of sorafenib. Moreover, delivery of sorafenib with the inhaler was found to follow a biphasic release pattern, with a burst release occurring within 6 h, followed by a sustained release for up to 72 h. Given these findings, sorafenib delivery within these liposomal inhalers may provide a unique mechanism to decrease sorafenib dosages and/or frequencies for patients requiring this therapy [ 44 , 45 ].…”