Introduction: Exosomes, or extracellular vesicles (EVs), are naturally occurring vesicles that carry specific biomarkers from their source cells. They contain a variety of biologically active substances, including lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and non-coding RNAs like microRNAs (miRNAs). Exosomes facilitate intercellular communication, particularly between tumor cells and their surrounding environment, influencing cell functions during cancer progression. miRNAs are of particular interest as they can be taken up by nearby or distant cells, promoting oncogenic signaling and altering recipient cells. Research shows that exosomal miRNAs can induce malignant transformation in non-metastatic breast cells, highlighting their role in cancer development and positioning them as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Additionally, exosomal miRNAs offer promising opportunities for targeted cancer therapies and drug delivery systems.
Methods: We conducted a literature review to investigate the impact of EV-miR on breast cancer outcomes. To do this, we searched the PubMed database with the keywords "Exosome," "microRNA," "breast cancer," and "therapy." After evaluating the search results, we focused on the articles pertinent to therapy.
Results: Exosomes enriched with miR-500a-5p, miR-378a-3p, miR-378d, miR-34a, miR-145, miR-181b-5p, miR-218, miR-34a-5p, miR-588, miR-205, and miR-381 have the potential to significantly improve treatment efficacy, enhance anticancer properties, affect drug resistance, and demonstrate overall effectiveness in cancer therapy. Furthermore, these exosomes can act as efficient drug delivery systems. Our research suggests that exosomes containing various microRNAs may offer a promising approach for innovative therapies in breast cancer.
Conclusion: Our research indicates that exosomes containing a diverse array of microRNAs could represent a groundbreaking strategy for innovative therapies in breast cancer. By harnessing the potential of these exosomes, we may be able to develop novel treatment modalities that not only improve patient outcomes but also pave the way for personalized medicine approaches in oncology. This could ultimately lead to more effective and tailored therapies that address the unique characteristics of each patient's cancer, thereby revolutionizing the landscape of breast cancer treatment.
Keywords: Exosome - microRNA - Breast cancer - therapy-