Irradiated Cell-Derived Exosomes Transmit Essential Molecules Inducing Radiation Therapy Resistance

Radioresistance has always been a major obstacle in radiation therapy (RT) progress. Radiation therapy (RT) leads to changes in the contents of released exosomes. Research has shown that irradiated cell-derived exosomes influence recipient cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. All evidence indicates that exosomes play a significant role in radioresistance. In this review, we describe the potential role of exosomes in cancer. We summarize that the irradiated cell-derived exosomes influence radioresistance in recipient cells by 3 main mechanisms: (1) enhancing DNA repair, (2) regulating cell death signaling pathways, and (3) inducing cancer cells to exhibit stem cell properties. We also discuss that the origin of the phenomenon might be the changes of molecular mechanisms of irradiated cell-derived exosomes formation affected by RT. Further, targeting exosomes as an adjuvant therapy might be a promising way for cancer treatments.