Small extracellular vesicles as a multicomponent biomarker platform in urinary tract carcinomas

Extracellular vesicles are a large group of nano-sized vesicles released by all cells. The variety of possible cargo (mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, proteins, and lipids) and the presence of surface proteins, signaling molecules, and receptor ligands make them a rich source of biomarkers for malignancy diagnosis. One of the groups gathering the most interest in cancer diagnostic applications is small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), with & LE;200 nm diameter, mainly composed of exosomes. Many studies were conducted recently, evaluating the diagnostic potential of sEVs in urinary tract carcinomas (UTCs), discovering and clinically evaluating various classes of biomarkers. The amount of research concerning different types of UTCs understandably reflects their incidence. sEV cargos getting the most interest are non-coding RNAs (miRNA and lncRNA). However, implementation of other approaches such as metabolomic and proteomic analysis is also evaluated. The results of many studies indicate that sEVs have an essential role in the cancer process and possess many possible diagnostic and prognostic applications for UTC. The relative ease of obtaining biofluids rich in sEVs (urine and blood) confirms that sEVs are essential for UTC detection in the liquid biopsy approach. A noticeable rise in research quality is observed as more researchers are aware of the research standardization necessity, which is essential for considering the clinical application of their findings.

Automated summary

Extracellular vesicles are a diverse group of nano-sized vesicles released by all cells, containing various cargo and serving as a rich source of biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. Small extracellular vesicles, mainly composed of exosomes, have attracted significant attention in cancer diagnostic applications. Studies have evaluated the diagnostic potential of these vesicles in urinary tract carcinomas, identifying various biomarkers. sEVs, particularly non-coding RNAs, play an essential role in the cancer process and offer diagnostic and prognostic applications for UTC. The ease of obtaining biofluids rich in sEVs confirms their significance in UTC detection using liquid biopsy.