Wu J, Jin Z, Fu T, Qian Y, Bian X, Zhang X, Zhang J. Extracellular Vesicle-Based Drug Delivery Systems in Cancer Therapy.
Int J Mol Sci 2025;
26:4835. [PMID:
40429976 PMCID:
PMC12112466 DOI:
10.3390/ijms26104835]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2025] [Revised: 05/05/2025] [Accepted: 05/10/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed particles secreted by cells and ubiquitously present in various biofluids. They not only mediate intercellular communication but also serve as promising drug carriers that are capable of delivering therapeutic agents to target cells through their inherent physicochemical properties. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in EV isolation techniques and innovative drug-loading strategies. Furthermore, we emphasized the distinct advantages and therapeutic applications of EVs derived from different cellular sources in cancer treatment. Finally, we critically evaluated the ongoing clinical trials utilizing EVs for drug delivery and systematically assessed both the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing EV-based drug delivery systems in cancer therapy.
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