Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a class of heterogeneous membrane vesicles with a lipid bilayer, are generally subdivided into exosomes, microvesicles (MVs), and apoptotic bodies (Abs) based on their size and origin. Regardless of their subtype, EVs are gaining increased attention for their function as extracellular messengers to regulate signaling pathways and gene expression by transferring various cargoes, including diverse proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites, for wide-ranging effects. In particular, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are transcripts of DNA that do not translate into proteins themselves but rather ensure the proper functioning and regulation of protein biosynthesis. Today, many ncRNAs including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs) and etc., have been identified as being selectively packaged into EVs and transferred to distant recipient cells, inducing profound changes vital for cancer initiation and progression, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, differentiation, and drug resistance.

This Research Topic aims to present new aspects regarding the involvement of EV-derived ncRNAs (EV-ncRNAs) in tumor initiation and progression. Furthermore, we aim to highlight new signaling axes involving EV-ncRNAs, thus indirectly leading to the regulation of protein-coding gene expression and modulations of signaling pathways. In addition, this Research Topic focuses on highlighting the utility of dis-regulated EV-ncRNAs as candidate tumor biomarkers with unique features, including high diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive or efficacy-monitoring potential. Moreover, we aim to promote awareness about the potential of EVs as delivery vehicles for ncRNA-derived cancer therapy.

In this Research Topic, we welcome submissions of original research and reviews, systematic reviews, mini-reviews, and opinions highlighting the role of EV-derived ncRNAs as molecular markers and their target molecules in cancer. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Identification of new EV-derived ncRNAs in cancer
• Using EV-derived ncRNA analysis as a cancer diagnostic and prognostic biomarker
• Tumor-derived EVs bearing ncRNAs mediating cancer progression and metastasis
• The role of EV-derived ncRNAs in the cross-talk at the tumor microenvironment level
• The new mechanism of EV-derived ncRNAs regulating the development of different cancer types
• Developing cancer therapeutics based on EV-derived ncRNAs

Please note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology.

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