Future Perspectives of Exosomal Payload of miRNAs in Lung Cancer.

Exosomes are nanovesicles, which were first described in 1983 as a method by which cells disposed of their metabolic waste. Since the publication of these early reports, exosomes have emerged as important regulators of various processes and mechanisms that ensure the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. In cancer cells exosomes have added roles in immunomodulation, metastasis, tumor growth and progression, chemo- and radioresistance, cell proliferation, and everything that puts the cancer cells in a position of advantage as compared to the normal cells. More recent studies have revealed that almost every cell type can release exo somes rich in the specific payload of bioactive molecules including miRNAs which are integral to intercellular communication via the transfer of the payload from the senders to the recipient cells. This chapter highlights the newly emerging function of exosomes as miRNA carriers in lung cancer and presents new perspectives for next-generation cancer treatments and targeted personalized medicine.