Interactions between cancer and stroma mediated by extracellular vesicles

Abstract Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound particles that are released by both cancer and stromal cells. These vesicles have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication within the tumor microenvironment. In particular, EVs have been shown to play a critical role in facilitating the interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stroma. Through the transfer of various bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, EVs are able to modulate the behavior of recipient cells and promote tumorigenesis. Additionally, EVs can also contribute to the development of drug resistance and immune evasion, further highlighting their importance in cancer progression. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding EV-mediated interactions between cancer and stromal cells, and discuss their implications for cancer diagnosis and therapy.