ABSTRACT
In recent years there has been tremendous interest in both the basic biology and applications of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in translational cancer research. This includes a better understanding of their biogenesis and mechanisms of selective cargo packaging, their precise roles in horizontal communication, and their application as non-invasive biomarkers. The rapid advances in next-generation omics technologies are the driving forces for these discoveries. In this review, the authors focus on recent results of EV research in ovarian cancer. A deeper understanding of ovarian cancer-derived EVs, the types of cargo molecules and their biological roles in cancer growth, metastases and drug resistance, could have significant impact on the discovery of novel biomarkers and innovative therapeutics. Insights into the role of EVs in immune regulation could lead to novel approaches built on EV-based immunotherapy.
Declaration of interest
T Kislinger acknowledges the Canadian Institute of Health Research (MOP-133615) and the Canadian Research Chairs Program. M Nawaz, F Fatima, L Neder, J Squire acknowledge FAPESP, CAPES and CNPq in Brazil. K Ekström acknowledges The Swedish Research Council (VR 521-2014-2660) and the BIOMATCELL VINN Excellence Centre of Biomaterials and Cell Therapy.
The authors have no other 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.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Muhammad Nawaz
The idea was initially conceived by M. Nawaz and T. Kislinger made major contributions in preparing the draft and arranging the content. All authors participated in discussions, editing, and critical review of the manuscript and approved for submission.