Extracellular Vesicles: A New Frontier in Cancer Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny packets released by cells to communicate with others, are poised to revolutionize current cancer treatment methods. Recognizing this potential, researchers from ILS-Bhubaneswar, AIIMS-Delhi, and other Indian institutions are conducting extensive studies on EVs to better understand disease progression, enhance targeted drug delivery, and develop new therapeutics.
International Conference Highlights EV Potential
An international conference held from April 2 to 4 focused on exploring the capabilities of EVs in diagnosing and treating various diseases, including cancer. This event brought together experts to discuss advancements and future directions in EV research.
Key Utilities of Extracellular Vesicles
Dr. Sujata Mohanty, Professor of Stem Cell Facility at AIIMS-Delhi, outlined three critical applications of EVs. "Instead of relying on frequent PET-CT, MRI, and CT scans, we can test for cancer-specific EVs to monitor tumor growth or reduction, providing insights into disease progression," she explained. EVs transport proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, influencing recipient cell functions and playing a vital role in disease spread. "By targeting these powerful carriers, we can potentially control the spread of cancer or infections in the body," Mohanty added.
Targeted Drug Delivery and Bone Cancer Research
EVs offer a promising avenue for delivering drugs directly to cancerous tumors, minimizing toxicity to other body parts. "We can load drugs into EVs and inject them into the body for precise targeting to destroy cancer cells," Mohanty noted. At ILS-Bhubaneswar, scientist Mamoni Dash leads a team working on using EVs for drug delivery in bone cancer cases. They are investigating the regenerative potential of bone cell EVs and have identified specific micro RNAs that enhance bone healing.
Innovative Approaches and Patent Achievements
Dash's team is exploring bone-derived EVs as drug delivery vehicles for bone cancer. "After discovering their bone healing properties, we coated EVs with proteins like folic acid to ensure they attach to cancer cells and release drugs effectively," she said. This innovative process has already received a patent. Additionally, Dash mentioned that plant cells also release EVs, which could be utilized as medicines in the future.
The collaborative efforts of researchers across India are driving significant progress in harnessing EVs for cancer treatment, offering hope for more effective and less invasive therapies.
