Extracellular Vesicles in Colorectal Cancer Progression, Metastasis, Diagnosis, and Therapy

A few years ago, extracellular vesicles (EVs) came into light for their role in intercommunication between the tumor cells, transferring oncogenic molecules, and the development of cancer. The EVs are released by almost all types of body cells and can be isolated easily from most of the body fluids. They contain molecular cargos like various types of RNAs, proteins, and growth factors that affect the physiology of the receiving cell. Due to their small size, the ability to easily cross biological barriers, and less immunogenicity and toxicity, they can be bioengineered and used as a vehicle for drugs for targeted delivery to cancer cells. This chapter will elaborate on the association of EVs with colorectal cancer regarding their role in development and metastasis. The importance of EVs as a prognostic and diagnostic marker of CRC will also be detailed. Moreover, their role in cancer therapeutics and drug resistance will be discussed.