Harnessing exosomes for targeted drug delivery systems to combat brain cancer

Abstract Brain cancer remains a significant challenge in the field of oncology, primarily because of its aggressive nature and the limited treatment options available. Conventional therapies often fall short in effectively targeting tumor cells, while sparing healthy brain tissue from collateral damage. However, exosomes are now recognized as promising nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. These naturally occurring extracellular vesicles can cross the blood–brain barrier and selectively interact with cancer cells. Utilizing exosomes as drug delivery vehicles offers a novel approach with significant potential for targeted therapy. By encapsulating therapeutic agents within exosomes, drugs can be specifically targeted to tumor cells, maximizing their impact whilst minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue. Furthermore, exosomes can be modified to display molecules that specifically recognize and bind to cancer cells, further enhancing their precision and efficacy. While exosome-based therapies show potential, scalability, purification, and clinical application challenges remain. The scalability of exosome production, purification, and modification techniques remains a hurdle that must be overcome for clinical translation. Additionally, the intricate interactions between the tumor microenvironment and exosomes necessitate further research to optimize therapeutic outcomes. The review explores applications and future perspectives of exosome-based therapies in advancing targeted brain cancer treatment.