image: Figure 1. Stress-induced EV release by normal, stressed, aging, and cancer cells and their associated molecular cargo. Each EV type carries molecular cargo depending on the stressor and cell of origin. Senescence increases SA-EV output enriched with chromosomal DNA fragments and EphA2, promoting proliferation in Ephril-A1-positive cells via ceramide-dependent biogenesis [51]. Oxidative stress elevates intracellular Ca2+ and ROS, triggering microvesicle shedding and exosomes carrying mtDNA, oxidized proteins, and stress chaperones [15]. Hypoxia enhances exosome release with HIF-1a-driven cargo such as miR-210 and VEGF to promote angiogenesis [52]. Ionizing radiation activates p54 and TSAP6, producing EVs carrying altered miRNAs and gH2AX that induce bystander DNA-damage responses [53]. Apoptosis generates large ApoEVs containing DNA, histones, organelles, and cytosolic proteins, affecting immunity and tissue remodeling [54]. Chemotherapy and ER stress remodel EV cargo, including P-gp and PD-L1, promoting drug resistance and immune evasion [55].
Credit: Copyright: © 2026 Umeris et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
“Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies, are lipid-bound nanoparticles secreted by most cell types, playing fundamental roles in intercellular communication.”
BUFFALO, NY — November 6, 2026 — A new review was published in Volume 13 of Oncoscience on September 30, 2026, titled “Extracellular vesicles in health, aging and disease.”
The review explores how extracellular vesicles (EVs), tiny particles that carry molecular messages between cells, contribute to normal biological functions, aging and cancer. By examining research on their roles in cellular communication, the authors highlight important similarities between the signals released by aging and cancerous cells, offering insights into potential biomarkers and future therapeutic strategies.
The review was authored by first author Ethan Umeris and corresponding author Igor Kovalchuk, both affiliated with the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge.
Extracellular vesicles help cells communicate by transporting proteins, lipids and genetic material. Under normal conditions, they support essential processes such as tissue repair, immune regulation and cellular balance. However, their molecular contents can change in response to stress, inflammation and disease, potentially influencing the behavior of surrounding cells.
The review focuses particularly on exosomes, a well-studied type of extracellular vesicle. These particles play important roles in cellular communication, but their effects can differ considerably depending on whether they originate from healthy, aging or cancerous cells.
In aging tissues, senescent cells release exosomes containing inflammatory molecules and regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs), which can influence gene expression in neighboring cells. These signals may contribute to chronic inflammation, impaired tissue repair and other changes associated with aging.
In cancer, tumor-derived exosomes can carry molecules that support cancer-cell survival and alter the surrounding tissue environment. Research discussed in the review shows how these particles can contribute to immune evasion, blood vessel formation, metastasis and resistance to treatment.
A central theme of the review is that exosomes from aging and cancer cells share certain molecular characteristics, including inflammatory signals, stress-related proteins and genetic material. However, their biological effects depend on the originating cells and their environment. These similarities suggest that altered cellular communication could be an important link between aging and cancer progression.
“Thus, it is important to understand both the overlapping and divergent cargo of senescence-associated and tumor-derived exosomes to identify disease-specific biomarkers and to design targeted therapeutic treatments.”
The authors also highlight the potential clinical value of extracellular vesicles. Because their molecular contents can reflect changes in cellular health, exosomes are being investigated as possible biomarkers of aging and disease. Their ability to transport biological molecules has also attracted interest in targeted drug delivery, although these applications require further research.
Overall, the review highlights how extracellular vesicles connect biological processes involved in healthy cellular function, aging and cancer. Understanding the messages these particles carry could help researchers identify disease-related molecular changes and develop more targeted approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncoscience.673
Correspondence to: Igor Kovalchuk – igor.kovalchuk@uleth.ca
Keywords: extracellular vesicles, exosomes, microvesicles, cancer, aging
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Journal
Oncoscience
Method of Research
Literature review
Subject of Research
Cells
Article Title
Extracellular vesicles in health, aging and disease
Article Publication Date
30-Sep-2026
COI Statement
Authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.