Cited by 68Extracellular vesicles in diseaseRNA Interference and Gene DeliveryNanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

Exosome-mediated delivery of siRNA molecules in cancer therapy: triumphs and challenges

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Ubanako, Philemon, Mirza, Sheefa, Ruff, Paul, Penny, Clement·2024·Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

Abstract

The discovery of novel and innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and management remains a major global challenge. Exosomes are endogenous nanoscale extracellular vesicles that have garnered increasing attention as innovative vehicles for advanced drug delivery and targeted therapy. The attractive physicochemical and biological properties of exosomes, including increased permeability, biocompatibility, extended half-life in circulation, reduced toxicity and immunogenicity, and multiple functionalization strategies, have made them preferred drug delivery vehicles in cancer and other diseases. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are remarkably able to target any known gene: an attribute harnessed to knock down cancer-associated genes as a viable strategy in cancer management. Extensive research on exosome-mediated delivery of siRNAs for targeting diverse types of cancer has yielded promising results for anticancer therapy, with some formulations progressing through clinical trials. This review catalogs recent advances in exosome-mediated siRNA delivery in several types of cancer, including the manifold benefits and minimal drawbacks of such innovative delivery systems. Additionally, we have highlighted the potential of plant-derived exosomes as innovative drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, offering numerous advantages such as biocompatibility, scalability, and reduced toxicity compared to traditional methods. These exosomes, with their unique characteristics and potential for effective siRNA delivery, represent a significant advancement in nanomedicine and cancer therapeutics. Further exploration of their manufacturing processes and biological mechanisms could significantly advance natural medicine and enhance the efficacy of exosome-based therapies.

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Crossref · 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1447953

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  • Exosome-based and exosome-mimicking systems have attracted increasing interest because of intrinsic biocompatibility, tumor-homing potential, and ability to facilitate intracellular transport of functional cargo.

    “In particular, exosome-based and exosome-mimicking systems have attracted increasing interest because of their intrinsic biocompatibility, tumor-homing potential, and ability to facilitate intracellular transport of functional cargo [106,107,108].”

    From Nanoparticle-Mediated Radiosensitization in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Evidence and Translational Challenges (2026) · cites this paper as [106]

    The Introduction (§§1.1–1.2) says exosomes have attracted increasing attention for their biocompatibility and ability to transfer functional cargo into cells. Section 1.4 describes tumor accumulation through passive targeting and improved tumor targeting through engineering, rather than an unqualified intrinsic tumor-homing ability. The passages address exosomes, not exosome-mimicking systems. (LLM, conf=0.85)

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Authors
Ubanako, P., Mirza, S., Ruff, P., & Penny, C.
Affiliations
University of the Witwatersrand (ZA)
Corresponding author
Penny, Clement
Venue
Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
Published
2024-09-17
Volume
11
Pages
1447953-1447953
ISSN
2296-889X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4402604331
Cited by
68
References
234
Citations by year
2026: 35 · 2025: 31 · 2024: 2
FWCI
2.78
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Extracellular vesicles in disease
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery
Keywords
exosomes, siRNA delivery, extracellular vesicles, cancer therapy, plant-derived exosomes, gene silencing, targeted drug delivery, nanomedicine, clinical translation

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