Exosomes participate in cancer progression and metastasis by transferring bioactive molecules between cancer and various cells in the local and distant microenvironments. Such intercellular cross‐talk results in changes in multiple cellular and biological functions in recipient cells. Several hallmarks of cancer have reportedly been impacted by this exosome‐mediated cell‐to‐cell communication, including modulating immune responses, reprogramming stromal cells, remodeling the architecture of the extracellular matrix, or even endowing cancer cells with characteristics of drug resistance. Selectively, loading specific oncogenic molecules into exosomes highlights exosomes as potential diagnostic biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets. In addition, exosome‐based drug delivery strategies in preclinical and clinical trials have been shown to dramatically decrease cancer development. In the present review, we summarize the significant aspects of exosomes in cancer development that can provide novel strategies for potential clinical applications.

Extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated intercellular communication acts as a critical culprit in cancer development. The selective packaging of oncogenic molecules renders tumor-derived EVs capable of altering the tumor microenvironment and thereby modulating cancer developments that may contribute to drug resistance and cancer recurrence. Moreover, the molecular and functional characteristics of cancer through its development and posttreatment evolve over time. Tumor-derived EVs are profoundly involved in this process and can, therefore, provide valuable real-time information to reflect dynamic changes occurring within the body. Because they bear unique molecular profiles or signatures, tumor-derived EVs have been highlighted as valuable diagnostic and predictive biomarkers as well as novel therapeutic targets. In addition, the use of an advanced EV-based drug delivery system for cancer therapeutics has recently been emphasized in both basic and clinical studies. In this review, we highlight comprehensive aspects of tumor-derived EVs in oncogenic processes and their potential clinical applications.

The partner of activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), growth factor receptor bound protein-7 (Grb7), a functionally multidomain adaptor protein, has been demonstrated to be a pivotal regulator for varied physiological and pathological processes by interacting with phospho-tyrosine-related signaling molecules to affect the transmission through a number of signaling pathways. In particular, critical roles of Grb7 in erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog (ERBB) family-mediated cancer development and malignancy have been intensively evaluated. The overexpression of Grb7 or the coamplification/cooverexpression of Grb7 and members of the ERBB family play essential roles in advanced human cancers and are associated with decreased survival and recurrence of cancers, emphasizing Grb7′s value as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target. Peptide inhibitors of Grb7 are being tested in preclinical trials for their possible therapeutic effects. Here, we review the molecular, functional, and clinical aspects of Grb7 in ERBB family-mediated cancer development and malignancy with the aim to reveal alternative and effective therapeutic strategies.