Extracellular vesicles as brain tumor biomarkers

Aggressive malignant brain tumors have a poor prognosis, and early detection can significantly improve treatment effectiveness and increase patient survival rates. Various methods are available for diagnosing brain tumors, with biopsy being one of the primary options. However, a biopsy is an invasive procedure that carries a risk of brain damage, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. One promising non-invasive method is liquid biopsy, which involves extracting extracellular vesicles (EVs) from different biological fl uids. Most cell types can produce and release extracellular vesicles. EVs isolated from bodily fl uids, along with the molecules they carry-such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids-can be used to diagnose brain tumors. This approach has the potential to replace labor-intensive and expensive diagnostic methods that can adversely affect patient health. This review discusses recent advancements in the use of EVs as biomarkers for diagnosing brain tumors.