The role of extracellular vesicles in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and potential clinical applications

Abstract

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be secreted by a wide variety of cells, including tumor cells, and contain some bioactive molecules from the source cells. Therefore, they can potentially be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of tumors and for tumor therapy. In addition, EVs can affect the features of target cells and participate in regulating the development process of tumors. Methods:A literature review was conducted to elucidate the role of extracellular vesicles in the progression and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Results:In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation and metastasis, immune response, and chemo-radiotherapy resistance that are induced by EVs. We also reviewed the potential applications of EVs as biomarkers, therapeutic agents, and carriers so as to determine new directions for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The application limitations have also been discussed in this review, further work is needed to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. Conclusion:Although the roles of extracellular vesicles in the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma have been summarized, some aspects are still unclear and need to be further studied. In addition, the applications of extracellular vesicles in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma still need to optimize conditions to produce better therapeutic outcomes for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

The efficacy of natural products for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

“…Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in the development and metastasis, immune escape, and chemoradiotherapy resistance of NPC (Liang et al, 2023). EVs secreted by tumor cells promote immune escape by inhibiting T-cell development and function (Robbins & Morelli, 2014).…”