Revisiting the advances and challenges in the clinical applications of extracellular vesicles in cancer.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been the subject of an exponentially growing number of studies covering their biogenesis mechanisms, isolation and analysis techniques, physiological and pathological roles, and clinical applications, such as biomarker and therapeutic uses. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of EVs both challenges our understanding of them and presents new opportunities for their potential application. Recently, the EV field experienced a wide range of advances. However, the challenges also remain huge. This review focuses on the recent progress and difficulties encountered in the practical use of EVs in clinical settings. In addition, we also explored the concept of EV heterogeneity to acquire a more thorough understanding of EVs and their involvement in cancer, specifically focusing on the fundamental nature of EVs. • Known and unknown understanding of EV heterogeneity and homogeneity, especially at a single-vesicle level. • The natural role, that EVs themselves are neither beneficial nor harmful, of EVs is to transmit bioinformation. • A comprehensive review of advances and challenges in therapeutic applications and biomarker functions of EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]