Published online Nov 14, 2023. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i42.5699
Peer-review started: June 16, 2023
First decision: August 31, 2023
Revised: September 13, 2023
Accepted: November 8, 2023
Article in press: November 8, 2023
Published online: November 14, 2023
Processing time: 149 Days and 23.5 Hours
Esophageal cancer (EC) has a high incidence and mortality rate and is emerging as one of the most common health problems globally. Owing to the lack of sensitive detection methods, uncontrollable rapid metastasis, and pervasive treatment resistance, EC is often diagnosed in advanced stages and is susceptible to local recurrence. Exosomes are important components of intercellular communication and the exosome-mediated crosstalk between the cancer and surrounding cells within the tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the metastasis, progression, and therapeutic resistance of EC. Considering the critical role of exosomes in tumor pathogenesis, this review focused on elucidating the impact of exosomes on EC metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Here, we summarized the relevant signaling pathways involved in these processes. In addition, we discussed the potential clinical applications of exosomes for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of EC.
Core Tip: Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly malignant type of cancer, and its early diagnosis and effective treatment are lacking. We highlighted the following: (1) Exosomes are involved in altering the number or function of cells in the tumor microenvironment of EC; (2) all steps of EC metastasis and various therapeutic resistance are closely related to exosomes; and (3) exosomes can serve as reliable biomarkers and effective treatment tools for EC. Finally, we presented the urgent challenges and described the future research directions for exosome application in the diagnosis and treatment of EC.