The role of exosomes in diagnosis of non-haematological malignancies

Exosomes are nano-sized particles ‘exfoliated' from a variety of cell types. They are known to facilitate exchange of messages between various cells by transporting bio-functional cargo like proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. Exosomes play a pivotal role in cellular signaling under normal physiological conditions, as well as in diseased states like cancer. They are shed in excessive amounts by cancer cells and can be harnessed from a variety of body fluids. Hence, they can serve as a convenient and less invasive biomarker for malignancies. The present work was carried out to decipher the exact status of exosomes as a liquid biopsy tool in non-haematological malignancies. Special emphasis was laid on their isolation and validation techniques. The review of literature revealed that they could serve, both as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in a variety of cancers originating from breast, naso-pharynx, colon, lung, pancreas, prostate and urinary bladder. As of now, the available body of literature on the use of exosomes as a cancer biomarker pointed towards an exciting future ahead. Indeed, exosomes have the potential to bring about a paradigm shift in the practice of personalized medicine for non-hematological malignancies.