Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: A Promising Therapeutic Role in Animal Models with Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common afflicted cancers in both men and women worldwide, has caused a significant mortality rate. Distant metastases and recurrence are the two primary factors that contribute to patient death. Recent information has confirmed the cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a critical role in the development of cancer. CSCs are subpopulation of cancer cells with the ability to differentiate in several directions, proliferate indefinitely, and self-renew itself. CSCs play a critical role in the progress and recurrence of CRC. CSC-focused research has been conducted on a variety of malignancies, including CRC. This has led to the discovery and understanding of genes involved in the generation and maintenance of stem cells pluripotency as well as markers for CSCs, including those specifically investigated in CRC. The effectiveness of the current treatment against this malignancy, especially in instances of advanced CRC, is still lacking despite the adoption of new drugs and extensive therapies. Explicit understanding of mechanisms and factors that contribute to metastasis in CRC may be useful for identifying specific therapeutic targets to improve existing therapy. In recent decades, new treatment options for cancer have been emerged as a result of the increasing acceptance of the cancer stem cell theory. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles that are released by all cells, and they are now the focus of cancer therapy. Colonic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) experience morphological and functional changes as a consequence of CRC-derived exosomes, which aid in the growth of tumors and the progression of their malignant nature. Exosomes have been used as a delivery system for anticancer drugs in CRC. This review aims to summarize recent findings up to date several animal-based studies using exosomes derived from stem cells in CRC.