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BACKGROUND: Genomic tumour profiling has a crucial role in the management of patients with solid cancers, as it helps selecting and prioritising therapeutic interventions based on prognostic and predictive biomarkers, as well as identifying markers of hereditary cancers. Harmonised approaches to interpret the results of genomic testing are needed to support physicians in their decision making, prevent inequalities in precision medicine and maximise patient benefit from available cancer management options. METHODS: The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Translational Research and Precision Medicine Working Group assembled a group of international experts to propose recommendations for preparing clinical genomic reports for solid cancers. These recommendations aim to foster best practices in integrating genomic testing within clinical settings. After review of available evidence, several rounds of surveys and focused discussions were conducted to reach consensus on the recommendation statements. Only consensus recommendations were reported. Recommendation statements were graded in two tiers based on their clinical importance: level A (required to maintain common standards in reporting) and level B (optional but necessary to achieve ideal practice). RESULTS: Genomics reports should present key information in a front page(s) followed by supplementary information in one or more appendices. Reports should be structured into sections: (i) patient and sample details; (ii) assay and data analysis characteristics; (iii) sample-specific assay performance and quality control; (iv) genomic alterations and their functional annotation; (v) clinical actionability assessment and matching to potential therapy indications; and (vi) summary of the main findings. Specific recommendations to prepare each of these sections are made. CONCLUSIONS: We present a set of recommendations aimed at structuring genomics reports to enhance physician comprehension of genomic profiling results for solid cancers. Communication between ordering physicians and professionals reporting genomic data is key to minimise uncertainties and to optimise the impact of genomic tests in patient care.
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BACKGROUND: Being amongst the leading factors of death and distress, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has affected around 850 million people globally. The Wnt/ß-catenin axis is vital for maintaining kidney homeostasis, from nephron generation to overall management. The ß-catenin growth factor is typically not expressed in the adult kidney; however, its expression is found to increase under stress and injury conditions. It is categorised as canonical and non-canonical based on ß-catenin availability, which mounts promising targets for ameliorating CKD. Hence, modulation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling for CKD management is of utmost relevance. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this review is to highlight the significance of targeting Wnt/ß-catenin signalling for CKD management. METHODS: The literature review regarding the role of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling and therapies modulating it in CKD was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. RESULTS: The current review summarises the pharmacological therapies modulating the Wnt/ß-catenin axis in CKD, building upon promising preclinical studies to establish a foundation for clinical studies in the future. CONCLUSION: Wnt/ß-catenin signalling is the evolution's most conserved pathway, which plays a pivotal role in CKD progression. Therapies modulating Wnt/ß-catenin signalling have emerged as effective means for alleviating CKD.
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Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) are highly prevalent cancers that threaten human health worldwide. The Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway has been reported to play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis of GICs. Numerous interventions targeting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in GICs are currently being tested in clinical trials with promising results. Unfortunately, there are no clinically approved drugs that effectively target this pathway. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the impact of clinical therapies targeting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in GICs. By integrating data from bioinformatics databases and recent literature from the past five years, we examine the heterogeneous expression and regulatory mechanisms of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway genes and proteins in GICs. Specifically, we focus on expression patterns, mutation frequencies, and clinical prognoses to understand their implications for treatment strategies. Additionally, we discuss recent clinical trial efforts targeting this pathway. Understanding the inhibitors currently under clinical investigation may help optimize foundational research and clinical strategies. We hope that elucidating the current status of precision therapeutic stratification for patients targeting the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway will guide future innovations in precision medicine for GICs.
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Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are an uncommon and diverse group of cancers, consisting of more than 80 different kinds, each showing unique mesenchymal differentiation as described by the World Health Organization (WHO). The prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis mostly depend on the size, depth, and histological grade of the lymphatic involvement. Improved prognostic indicators are necessary to identify patients at high risk who may derive advantages from adjuvant therapy and those at low risk who might avoid treatment-related side effects. Over a period of five years, a considerable number of patients experience the recurrence of the tumor in the same area or the metastasis of the disease to other parts of the body, even after the complete removal of the localized tumor through surgery. To further personalize and focus medicines, it is critical to enhance prediction accuracy and uncover new therapy targets. This is particularly important considering the high mortality and morbidity rate associated with metastatic STS. The significant diversity of STS poses difficulty in comprehending its pathobiology and in converting biological progress into therapeutic application. This prospective cohort study was carried out at a major university hospital to ascertain adult patients who were diagnosed with STS of the extremities between the period from 2018 to 2023. The inclusion criteria were individuals who were 18 years of age or older with a histological diagnosis of STS. The exclusion criteria encompassed individuals with malignancies other than STS and those with inadequate data on essential factors. Thorough assessments were conducted to analyze patient demographics, tumor features (including site, size, depth, neurovascular or bone invasion), and histologic type and grade (according to the French Federation of Cancer Centers (FNCLCC) grading system). The purpose was to find predictive markers and evaluate results. The results are consistent with previous research and enhance our current knowledge of STS prognosis. Key prognostic markers for metastasis and mortality risk include tumor size larger than 5 cm, histologic grade, and sarcoma subtype. Radical surgical procedures, such as amputation or disarticulation, did not show any survival advantage, probably because they were used in situations where the disease had already progressed locally and had significant involvement in the blood vessels. Histologic grading has been identified as the most important factor in predicting the likelihood of metastasis in adult STSs. The study found that most tumors were of high grade, and there was a statistically significant association between tumor grade, Ki67 levels, and overall survival. A small proportion of patients experienced prolonged longevity beyond five years, emphasizing the connection between early detection, tumors of lesser severity, and enhanced results. These observations emphasize the significance of accurate prognostic assessments and customized therapeutic approaches in the treatment of STS.
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Helicobacter pylori infection is involved in gastric diseases such as peptic ulcer and adenocarcinoma. Approved antibiotherapies still fail in 10 to 40% of the infected patients and, in this scenario, targeted nanotherapeutics emerged as powerful allies for H. pylori eradication. Nano/microparticles conjugated with H. pylori binding molecules were developed to eliminate H. pylori by either (i) blocking essential mechanisms of infection, such as adhesion to gastric mucosa or (ii) binding and killing H. pylori through the release of drugs within the bacteria or at the site of infection. Glycan antigens (as Lewis B and sialyl-Lewis X), pectins, lectins, phosphatidylethanolamine and epithelial cell membranes were conjugated with nano/microparticles to successfully block H. pylori adhesion. Urea-coated nanoparticles were used to improve drug delivery inside bacteria through H. pylori UreI channel. Moreover, nanoparticles coated with antibodies against H. pylori and loaded with sono/photosensitizers, were promising for their application as targeted sono/photodynamic therapies. Further, non-specific H. pylori nano/microparticles, but only active in the acidic gastric environment, coated with binders to bacterial membrane, extracellular polymeric substances or to high temperature requirement A protease, were evaluated. In this review, an overview of the existing nanotherapeutics targeting H. pylori will be given and their rational, potential to counteract infection, as well as level of development will be presented and discussed.
Subject(s)
Helicobacter Infections , Helicobacter pylori , Helicobacter pylori/drug effects , Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Nanoparticles/therapeutic use , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Backgrounds and Aims: Multiple regimens of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) plus targeted therapies are commonly prescribed as first-line treatments for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). Here, we aimed to investigate the correlation between dynamic changes of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and tumor response to the combination of ICIs and targeted therapies for uHCC. Methods: Sixty-one patients who received ICIs plus targeted therapies for uHCC were enrolled in this retrospective study. The NLR before and at 3-6 weeks after treatments were assessed to calculate the dynamic NLR changes (ΔNLR). Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to explore the relationship between dynamic NLR changes and tumor response or progression-free survival (PFS), respectively. Furthermore, we assessed the predictive effect of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) changes in combination with dynamic NLR changes compared to AFP changes alone. Results: The NLR at 3-6 weeks and ΔNLR after treatments significantly increased in patients who underwent progressive disease (PD), while the baseline NLR showed no significant difference between different tumor responses. Increased NLR and AFP after treatments were both independent predictors of PD (For NLR increase: OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.47-3.88, P < 0.001; For AFP increase: OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03-2.17, P = 0.043), and correlated with worse PFS (for NLR increase: HR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.99-8.36, P < 0.001; for AFP increase: HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.04-4.24, P = 0.039). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and net reclassification index (NRI) showed that the combination of dynamic NLR and AFP changes was better than AFP changes alone on predicting PD (AUC: 0.83 vs 0.68, P = 0.034; NRI: 0.340, P = 0.048) and PFS (AUC: 0.80 vs 0.70, P = 0.166; NRI: 0.431, P = 0.042). Conclusion: Dynamic changes of NLR might be an effective predictor of the therapeutic response to ICIs plus targeted therapies for uHCC.
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PURPOSE: Unresectable pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGG) usually need adjuvant therapy, and carboplatin hypersensitivity reaction (HR) commonly leads to premature treatment cessation of a standard chemotherapy regimen. In the molecular era, advances in understanding tumor genetic characteristics allowed the development of targeted therapies for this group of tumors; however, cost-effectiveness assessment of treatments, especially in low-income countries, is crucial. The aim is to describe the results of carboplatin desensitization protocol in a single center in a middle-income country. METHOD: Prospective analysis of children with LGG submitted to carboplatin desensitization from December 2017 to June 2020 with follow-up until April 2024. RESULTS: Nine patients were included. The mean age was 11 years. Five patients were male. Seven had optic pathway and two cervicomedullary location. Six had histologic diagnosis and four molecular analyses. The incidence of carboplatin reactions during the study period was 39.1%. Six patients underwent skin prick test, three with positive results. The first HR occurred, on average, around the 9th cycle of treatment. All patients had cutaneous symptoms, and five out of nine had anaphylaxis as the first reaction. 77.7% of the patients completed the protocol, and the clinical benefit rate (stable disease and partial response) was 88.8%. Six patients further required other lines of therapy. Monthly, the total cost for carboplatin was $409.09, and for target therapies (dabrafenib plus trametinib), $4929.28 to $5548.57. CONCLUSION: Our study presented an interesting and cost-effective option where desensitization allowed children with HR to be treated with first-line therapy, avoiding the discontinuation of an effective treatment.
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BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become standard-of-care at different stage disease in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Based on the increasing characterization of molecular aberrations and oncogenic drivers in NSCLC, it is expected that more and more patients will benefit from orally small targeted therapies in NSCLC. However, their concomitant or sequential use is associated with an increased risk of a various toxicity pattern. METHODS: Relevant publications were included if they reported data on the question of toxicities associated with sequential or combined use of ICIs and small targeted therapies used in NSCLC treatment. MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were searched for the following request, from database inception until June 2023. RESULTS: This review highlighted a various pattern of toxicities (i.e., interstitial lung disease, hepatitis, dermatoses) in the context of both sequential and concomitant administration of ICIs and small targeted therapies. Such toxicities seem rather a "drug-effect" than a "class-effect" and some of these toxicities are more specific of a small targeted therapy. This review highlights on the impact of treatment sequence administration and emphasis for physicians to be particularly careful whether small targeted therapy is administered within one to three months after last ICIs injection. CONCLUSION: Physicians have to be aware of severe toxicities in case of both concomitant or sequential ICIs/small targeted therapies administration in NSCLC. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these toxicities in order to prevent them and to refine ICIs and small targeted therapy sequencing strategy.
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Cell culture model systems are fundamental tools for studying cancer biology and identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities in a controlled environment. TET cells are notoriously difficult to culture, with only a few permanent cell lines available. The optimal conditions and requirements for the ex vivo establishment and permanent expansion of TET cells have not been systematically studied, and it is currently unknown whether different TET subtypes require different culture conditions or specific supplements. The few permanent cell lines available represent only type AB thymomas and thymic carcinomas, while attempts to propagate tumor cells derived from type B thymomas so far have been frustrated. It is conceivable that epithelial cells in type B thymomas are critically dependent on their interaction with immature T cells or their three-dimensional scaffold. Extensive studies leading to validated cell culture protocols would be highly desirable and a major advance in the field. Alternative methods such as tumor cell organoid models, patient-derived xenografts, or tissue slices have been sporadically used in TETs, but their specific contributions and advantages remain to be shown.
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Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) malignancies constitute a highly aggressive group of cancers that have a dismal prognosis. Patients not amenable to curative intent surgical resection are managed with systemic chemotherapy which, however, confers little survival benefit. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are tripartite compounds that merge the intricate selectivity and specificity of monoclonal antibodies with the cytodestructive potency of attached supertoxic payloads. In view of the unmet need for drugs that will enhance the survival rates of HPB cancer patients, the assessment of ADCs for treating HPB malignancies has become the focus of extensive clinical and preclinical investigation, showing encouraging preliminary results. In the current review, we offer a comprehensive overview of the growing body of evidence on ADC approaches tested for HPB malignancies. Starting from a concise discussion of the functional principles of ADCs, we summarize here all available data from preclinical and clinical studies evaluating ADCs in HPB cancers.
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Neuroblastoma (NB), an heterogenous pediatric tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, is the most common and deadly extracranial solid malignancy diagnosed in infants. Numerous efforts have been invested in understanding its origin and in development of novel curative targeted therapies. Here, we summarize the recent advances in the identification of the cell of origin and the genetic alterations occurring during development contributing to NB. We discuss current treatment regimens, present and future directions for identification of novel therapeutic metabolic targets, differentiation agents, as well as personalized combinatory therapies as potential approaches for improving survival and quality of life of children with NB.
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Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2) is overexpressed in a range of solid tumors and participants in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, making it an attractive therapeutic target. In the past decade, the rapid development of various Trop2-targeted therapies, notably marked by the advent of the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), revolutionized the outcome for patients facing Trop2-positive tumors with limited treatment opinions, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This review provides a comprehensive summary of advances in Trop2-targeted therapies, including ADCs, antibodies, multispecific agents, immunotherapy, cancer vaccines, and small molecular inhibitors, along with in-depth discussions on their designs, mechanisms of action (MOAs), and limitations. Additionally, we emphasize the clinical research progress of these emerging Trop2-targeted agents, focusing on their clinical application and therapeutic efficacy against tumors. Furthermore, we propose directions for future research, such as enhancing our understanding of Trop2's structure and biology, exploring the best combination strategies, and tailoring precision treatment based on Trop2 testing methodologies.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Neoplasm , Cell Adhesion Molecules , Immunoconjugates , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Neoplasms , Humans , Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology , Cell Adhesion Molecules/antagonists & inhibitors , Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism , Immunoconjugates/therapeutic use , Immunoconjugates/pharmacology , Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Neoplasms/therapy , Immunotherapy/methods , Animals , Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Globally, lung cancer stands as the leading type of cancer in terms of incidence and is the major source of mortality attributed to cancer. We have outlined the molecular biomarkers for lung cancer that are available clinically. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) spread from the original location, circulate in the bloodstream, extravasate, and metastasize, forming secondary tumors by invading and establishing a favorable environment. CTC analysis is considered a common liquid biopsy method for lung cancer. We have enumerated both in vivo and ex vivo techniques for CTC separation and enrichment, examined the advantages and limitations of these methods, and also discussed the detection of CTCs in other bodily fluids. We have evaluated the value of CTCs, as well as CTCs in conjunction with other biomarkers, for their utility in the early detection and prognostic assessment of patients with lung cancer. CTCs engage with diverse cells of the metastatic process, interfering with the interaction between CTCs and various cells in metastasis, potentially halting metastasis and enhancing patient prognosis.
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Melanoma metabolism can be reprogrammed by activating BRAF mutations. These mutations are present in up to 50% of cutaneous melanomas, with the most common being V600E. BRAF mutations augment glycolysis to promote macromolecular synthesis and proliferation. Prior to the development of targeted anti-BRAF therapies, these mutations were associated with accelerated clinical disease in the metastatic setting. Combination BRAF and MEK inhibition is a first line treatment option for locally advanced or metastatic melanoma harboring targetable BRAF mutations. This therapy shows excellent response rates but these responses are not durable, with almost all patients developing resistance. When BRAF mutated melanoma cells are inhibited with targeted therapies the metabolism of those cells also changes. These cells rely less on glycolysis for energy production, and instead shift to a mitochondrial phenotype with upregulated TCA cycle activity and oxidative phosphorylation. An increased dependence on glutamine utilization is exhibited to support TCA cycle substrates in this metabolic rewiring of BRAF mutated melanoma. Herein we describe the relevant core metabolic pathways modulated by BRAF inhibition. These adaptive pathways represent vulnerabilities that could be targeted to overcome resistance to BRAF inhibitors. This review evaluates current and future therapeutic strategies that target metabolic reprogramming in melanoma cells, particularly in response to BRAF inhibition.
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The treatment landscape of gynecologic cancers has expanded in recent years to include targeted and immune-based therapies. These therapies often have ocular side effects not seen with conventional chemotherapies, some of which can cause significant visual impairment if not recognized in a timely fashion. Clinicians must know how to appropriately identify, mitigate, and treat these ocular adverse events. Management often involves working with an interdisciplinary team of eye specialists, and it is important to know when to refer patients for specialized care. Proactive identification of eye specialists, especially in rural and community settings where access to care can be limited, may be necessary. Here, we discuss the management of common ocular toxicities seen with novel anticancer agents used to treat gynecologic cancers.
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Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most common malignant primary liver cancer. iCCA may develop on an underlying chronic liver disease and its incidence is growing in relation with the epidemics of obesity and metabolic diseases. In contrast, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) may follow a history of chronic inflammatory diseases of the biliary tract. The initial management of CCAs is often complex and requires multidisciplinary expertise. The French Association for the Study of the Liver wished to organize guidelines in order to summarize the best evidence available about several key points in iCCA and pCCA. These guidelines have been elaborated based on the level of evidence available in the literature and each recommendation has been analysed, discussed and voted by the panel of experts. They describe the epidemiology of CCA as well as how patients with iCCA or pCCA should be managed from diagnosis to treatment. The most recent developments of personalized medicine and use of targeted therapies are also highlighted.
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This systematic literature review (CRD42023393903) and a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to assess the relative safety profile of first-line targeted therapies (acalabrutinib, ibrutinib, obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, pirtobrutinib, ublituximab, umbralisib, venetoclax, zanubrutinib) in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients with advanced age and/or comorbidities. The NMA revealed that zanubrutinib was the safest treatment option in terms of the overall safety profile (e.g., serious adverse events [AEs] grade 1-5), followed by venetoclax-obinutuzumab, which showed an advantage in terms of AEs grade 1-5. The use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) monotherapy was more favourable in terms of the risk of haematological AEs, but chemoimmunotherapy showed advantages in terms of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and infectious AEs. The risk of secondary cancers was similar between treatments. In conclusion, targeted therapies are associated with variable and clinically relevant AEs. The therapies appear to be safer when used as monotherapy rather than in combination with immunological agents in naïve CLL patients with advanced age and/or comorbidities.
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The rise of drug resistance in cancer cells presents a formidable challenge in modern oncology, necessitating the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies. This review investigates the latest advancements in overcoming drug resistance mechanisms employed by cancer cells, focusing on emerging therapeutic modalities. The intricate molecular insights into drug resistance, including genetic mutations, efflux pumps, altered signaling pathways, and microenvironmental influences, are discussed. Furthermore, the promising avenues offered by targeted therapies, combination treatments, immunotherapies, and precision medicine approaches are highlighted. Specifically, the synergistic effects of combining traditional cytotoxic agents with molecularly targeted inhibitors to circumvent resistance pathways are examined. Additionally, the evolving landscape of immunotherapeutic interventions, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, is explored in terms of bolstering anti-tumor immune responses and overcoming immune evasion mechanisms. Moreover, the significance of biomarker-driven strategies for predicting and monitoring treatment responses is underscored, thereby optimizing therapeutic outcomes. For insights into the future direction of cancer treatment paradigms, the current review focused on prevailing drug resistance challenges and improving patient outcomes, through an integrative analysis of these emerging therapeutic strategies.
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Lupus nephritis remains the most frequent severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus, leading to chronic renal impairment in 20 to 25% of cases. Current treatment is based on the combined use of immunosuppressive treatment and targeted biotherapies to optimize the chances of promptly obtaining and maintaining a complete renal response over the long term. The author discusses these recent advances.
Title: Prise en charge de la néphropathie lupique en 2023. Abstract: La néphropathie lupique reste la complication sévère la plus fréquente du lupus érythémateux disséminé. Elle évolue vers l'insuffisance rénale chronique dans 20 à 25 % des cas. Son traitement moderne repose sur l'utilisation combinée d'un traitement immunosuppresseur et de biothérapies ciblées pour optimiser les chances d'obtenir rapidement et de maintenir au long cours une réponse rénale complète. L'auteur discute ces progrès récents.
Subject(s)
Immunosuppressive Agents , Lupus Nephritis , Lupus Nephritis/therapy , Lupus Nephritis/drug therapy , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles of cellular origin. One of the main characteristics of exosomes is their ability to carry a wide range of biomolecules from their parental cells, which are important mediators of intercellular communication and play an important role in physiological and pathological processes. Exosomes have the advantages of biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and wide biodistribution. As researchers' understanding of exosomes has increased, various strategies have been proposed for their use in diagnosing and treating diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the biogenesis and composition of exosomes, describe the relationship between exosomes and disease progression, and focus on the use of exosomes as biomarkers for early screening, disease monitoring, and guiding therapy in refractory diseases such as tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. We also summarize the current applications of exosomes, especially engineered exosomes, for efficient drug delivery, targeted therapies, gene therapies, and immune vaccines. Finally, the current challenges and potential research directions for the clinical application of exosomes are also discussed. In conclusion, exosomes, as an emerging molecule that can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, combined with multidisciplinary innovative solutions, will play an important role in clinical applications.