Extracellular vesicles in diagnostics and prognosis of malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system: current data and future perspectives

Malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system remain a significant global health concern, ranking among the leading causes of cancer incidence and mortality in women. Despite advances in the field of gynecologic oncology, early diagnosis and prognosis of such diseases continue to pose substantial challenges. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, have been increasingly attracted attention as key mediators of intercellular communication and carriers of biologically active molecules. EVs transport microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, proteins, and other molecules that influence critical carcinogenic processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and the development of chemoresistance. This review summarizes current data on the EVs role in the pathogenesis and progression of cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. The diagnostic and prognostic potential of EV-associated biomolecular components is examined, with evidence from preclinical and clinical studies highlighting their promise as biomarkers. The review also discusses the prospects for clinical application of EVs, emphasizing the challenges of methodological standardization and the need for multicenter studies to validate their clinical utility. Additionally, the importance of integrating omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches is underscored as essential for improving patient stratification and advancing personalized therapy.

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