The Function, Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Potential of Exosomes in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a lethal malignancy worldwide. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles derived from the endosomal pathway of nearly all cells and can be found in body fluids. They can be considered an intercellular system in the human body that can mediate near- and long-distance intercellular communication due to their features and functions. Investigations have revealed that exosomes are participated in different processes, physiologically and pathologically, especially in cancer. However, the clinical value of exosomes and their mechanisms of action in CRC are unclear and have not been systematically assessed. The purpose of this review is to discuss how exosomes play a role in the occurrence and development of CRC, with a particular focus on the functions and underlying mechanisms of tumor-derived exosomes as well as non-tumor-derived exosomes. We also describe the evidence that exosomes can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRC. In addition, the possibilities of exosomes in CRC clinical transformation are also discussed.