Unraveling the Connection: Extracellular Vesicles and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Jiankang Wu,1– 4 Yan Chen1– 4 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 3Clinical Medical Research Center for Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 4Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yan Chen, Email chenyan99727@csu.edu.cnAbstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale lipid bilayer vesicles released during cell activation, cellular damage, or apoptosis. They carry nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids facilitating intercellular communication and activate signaling pathways in target cells. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), EVs may contribute to tumor growth and metastasis by modulating immune responses, facilitating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and promoting angiogenesis, while potentially contributing to resistance to chemotherapy drugs. EVs in liquid biopsies serve as non-invasive biomarkers for early cancer detection and diagnosis. Due to their small size, inherent molecular transport properties, and excellent biocompatibility, EVs also act as natural drug delivery vehicles in NSCLC therapy. Keywords: extracellular vesicles, non-small cell lung cancer, immunity, metastasis, drug, biomarkers