Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a varied group of cell-derived, microscopic, fluid-filled pouches released from cells into neighboring microenvironments that are quickly gaining recognition as a potentially powerful tool against epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Recent studies show that not only do EVs play an integral part in the development of cancer through intercellular communication, cell survival, and immune modulation but also may assist with early diagnosis and improved treatments. EOC currently has few effective screening options for early detection of this disease; and, therefore, it is detected at an advanced stage where it is more likely to recur, develop chemoresistance, and ultimately become fatal. Newer research has evaluated EVs as biomarkers for early screening and diagnosis and as novel targets for treatment of EOC. Moreover, EVs are possible targets for novel immunomodulatory therapies to directly target cancer cells or make cancer cells more susceptible to other treatment modalities. Therefore, EVs present an exciting, promising approach which may improve clinical outcome for EOC patients.
Extracellular Vesicles and Ovarian Cancer