Open Access

REVIEW

Application of exosomal miRNA mediated macrophage polarization in colorectal cancer: Current progress and challenges

YUN ZHANG^1,2,#, SHALING TANG^1,2,#, YUBO GAO^1,2, ZHONGTING LU^1,2, YUAN YANG^1,2, JING CHEN³, TAO LI^4,*

1 Department of Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
2 General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
3 School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
4 Department of Surgical Oncology, Tumor Hospital, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China

* Corresponding Author: TAO LI. Email:
# These authors contributed to the work equally and should be regarded as co-first authors

Oncology Research 2024, 32(1), 61-71. https://doi.org/10.32604/or.2023.043481

Received 03 July 2023; Accepted 06 September 2023; Issue published 15 November 2023

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates. Surgical resection is the main treatment for early-stage CRC, but detecting it early is challenging. Therefore, effective therapeutic targets for advanced patients are still lacking. Exosomes, tiny vesicles in body fluids, play a crucial role in tumor metastasis, immune regulation, and drug resistance. Interestingly, they can even serve as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Studies have shown that exosomes can carry miRNA, mediate the polarization of M1/M2 macrophages, promote the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, and affect the prognosis of CRC. Since the gastrointestinal tract has many macrophages, understanding the mechanism behind exosomal miRNA-mediated macrophage polarization in CRC treatment is crucial. This article summarizes recent advancements in the study of exosomal miRNAs in CRC and their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers.

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