New review outlines role of extracellular vesicles in cancer and aging

A new review was published in Volume 13 of Oncoscience on September 30, 2026, titled "Extracellular vesicles in health, aging and disease."

The review explores how extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny particles that carry molecular messages between cells, contribute to normal biological functions, aging and cancer. By examining research on their roles in cellular communication, the authors highlight important similarities between the signals released by aging and cancerous cells, offering insights into potential biomarkers and future therapeutic strategies.

The review was authored by first author Ethan Umeris and corresponding author Igor Kovalchuk, both affiliated with the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge.

Extracellular vesicles help cells communicate by transporting proteins, lipids and genetic material. Under normal conditions, they support essential processes such as tissue repair, immune regulation and cellular balance. However, their molecular contents can change in response to stress, inflammation and disease, potentially influencing the behavior of surrounding cells.

The review focuses particularly on exosomes, a well-studied type of extracellular vesicle. These particles play important roles in cellular communication, but their effects can differ considerably depending on whether they originate from healthy, aging or cancerous cells.

In aging tissues, senescent cells release exosomes containing inflammatory molecules and regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs), which can influence gene expression in neighboring cells. These signals may contribute to chronic inflammation, impaired tissue repair and other changes associated with aging.

In cancer, tumor-derived exosomes can carry molecules that support cancer-cell survival and alter the surrounding tissue environment. Research discussed in the review shows how these particles can contribute to immune evasion, blood vessel formation, metastasis and resistance to treatment.

A central theme of the review is that exosomes from aging and cancer cells share certain molecular characteristics, including inflammatory signals, stress-related proteins and genetic material. However, their biological effects depend on the originating cells and their environment. These similarities suggest that altered cellular communication could be an important link between aging and cancer progression.

"Thus, it is important to understand both the overlapping and divergent cargo of senescence-associated and tumor-derived exosomes to identify disease-specific biomarkers and to design targeted therapeutic treatments."

The authors also highlight the potential clinical value of extracellular vesicles. Because their molecular contents can reflect changes in cellular health, exosomes are being investigated as possible biomarkers of aging and disease. Their ability to transport biological molecules has also attracted interest in targeted drug delivery, although these applications require further research.

Overall, the review highlights how extracellular vesicles connect biological processes involved in healthy cellular function, aging and cancer. Understanding the messages these particles carry could help researchers identify disease-related molecular changes and develop more targeted approaches to diagnosis and treatment.