Potential roles of exosomes in the initiation and metastatic progression of lung cancer

Lung cancer (LC) incidence and mortality continue to increase annually worldwide. LC is insidious and readily metastasizes and relapses. Except for its early diagnosis and surgical resection, there is no effective cure for advanced metastatic LC, and the prognosis remains dismal. Exosomes, a class of nano-sized extracellular vesicles produced by healthy or diseased cells, are coated with a bilayer lipid membrane and contain various functional molecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They can be used for intracellular or intercellular signaling or the transportation of biological substances. A growing body of evidence supports that exosomes play multiple crucial roles in the occurrence and metastatic progression of many malignancies, including LC. The elucidation of the potential roles of exosomes in the initiation, invasion, and metastasis of LC and their underlying molecular mechanisms may contribute to improved early diagnosis and treatment.

Automated summary

The incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer (LC) are increasing globally each year. LC is difficult to detect early and easily metastasizes and relapses. Currently, there is no effective cure for advanced metastatic LC, leading to poor prognosis. Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles produced by healthy or diseased cells, contain various functional molecules and play crucial roles in the occurrence and metastasis of many malignancies, including LC. Understanding the potential roles of exosomes in the initiation, invasion, and metastasis of LC and the underlying molecular mechanisms could contribute to improved early diagnosis and treatment.