Plasma-derived exosomes in acute myeloid leukemia for detection of minimal residual disease: are we ready?

ABSTRACT

The recent emergence of plasma-derived exosomes as biomarkers of leukemic relapse has introduced the potential for more sensitive non-invasive monitoring of leukemia patients based on the molecular and genetic analysis of the exosome cargo. In principle, the protein, lipid, miRNA, mRNA or DNA profiles of exosomes in patients’ plasma that associate with leukemic relapse can be identified. The diagnostic/prognostic value of these profiles could then be validated in prospective clinical studies. Here, we consider the potential of exosomes to fulfill the role of future biomarkers of minimal residual disease in AML. The rationale for developing exosome-based methodology for minimal residual disease detection is based on promising early observations. However, standards need to be established for evaluating exosome identity, isolation from body fluids, and assessment methods. The rapidly expanding knowledge of the exosome biology suggests that the exosome status as potential biomarkers may become clarified in the near future.

KEYWORDS:

• Exosomes
• acute myeloid leukemia
• biomarker
• minimal residual disease
• leukemia relapse

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.