Cell

Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Integrin

Microvesicles

Glycan

Biology

Gene

Glycoprotein

Cancer

Targeted drug delivery

microRNA

Liposome

Chemistry

Materials science

Extracellular

Drug delivery

Drug

Extracellular vesicle

Cell biology

Cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles

Genetics

Biochemistry

Intracellular

Cancer cell

Pharmacology

Theranostics

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally occurring cell-secreted nanoparticles that play important roles in many physiological and pathological processes. EVs enable intercellular communication by serving as delivery vehicles for a wide range of endogenous cargo molecules, such as RNAs, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. EVs have also been found to display tissue tropism mediated by surface molecules, such as integrins and glycans, making them promising for drug delivery applications. Various methods can be used to load therapeutic agents into EVs, and additional modification strategies have been employed to prolong circulation and improve targeting. This review gives an overview of EV-based drug delivery strategies in cancer therapy.

Extracellular vesicle-based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment