Exosomes are extracellular vesicles surrounded by a lipid bilayer released from various types of cells, including normal and cancer cells. Exosomes contain a variety of molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which are transported to other cells and mediate intercellular communication. Tumor-derived exosomes have different cargos than normal exosomes. Tumor-derived exosomes promote cancer growth, progression, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In addition, tumor-derived exosomes mediate tumor immune escape by regulating the activity of immune cells in tumor microenvironments. The significance of tumor-derived exosomes extends beyond their biological roles; they hold immense potential as clinical tools. Recently, tumor-derived exosomes have been used as biomarkers in liver cancer and prostate cancer, offering a non-invasive method for early detection and monitoring of these malignancies. Moreover, numerous studies have explored the use of exosomes for drug delivery, highlighting their capability to enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of conventional therapies and this advancement potentially transforms cancer treatment paradigms. This review discusses exosome biogenesis and the role of exosome cargo components, emphasizing their critical functions in intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, it delves into the innovative applications of exosomes as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and as vehicles for targeted drug delivery, underscoring their importance in advancing cancer research and therapy.

Keywordsexosome, cancer, immunity, tumor microenvironment, diagnosis, drug delivery