Liquid Biopsy Applications of Extracellular Vesicles in Early Cancer Detection

Early cancer detection remains a significant challenge in oncology, with limitations in conventional diagnostic methods and a pressing need for minimally invasive biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles, also known as exosomes, have emerged as potential constituents of liquid biopsy due to their ability to carry tumor-specific biomolecules, including proteins, messenger RNA, micro RNA, and DNA fragments. According to Kalluri and LeBleu (2020), extracellular vesicles can reflect the molecular characteristics of originating tumor cells and contribute to intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment. This review critically assesses the applications of extracellular vesicles in the context of liquid biopsy for early cancer detection, exploring their potential role in precision oncology. A systematic literature review approach was employed using peer reviewed studies retrieved from major biomedical databases focusing on extracellular vesicle biology, cancer biomarkers, and liquid biopsy technologies. Findings from reviewed studies indicate that extracellular vesicle derived biomarkers demonstrate high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity across several cancer types including breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Becker et al. (2016) further reported that exosomal biomarker profiling may enable earlier disease identification compared to conventional tissue biopsy approaches. In conclusion, extracellular vesicles represent highly promising non invasive biomarkers for early cancer detection and real time disease monitoring. Their integration into clinical diagnostics may improve screening accuracy, support personalized treatment strategies, and enhance overall cancer management outcomes.