Origin dictates function: The dual roles of exosomes derived from diverse origins in the onset and progression of colorectal cancer (Review)

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of incidence, while it is the second leading cause of cancer‑related mortality. The high incidence and mortality rates of CRC pose a considerable challenge to global human health. Currently, surgical treatment and chemotherapy, which exert unsatisfactory clinical benefits in patients with CRC, are posing major issues in clinical practice, including recurrence, drug resistance and drug toxicity. Therefore, novel treatment approaches for CRC are urgently needed. Emerging evidence has suggested that exosomes carry out a key role in the occurrence and development of CRC, thus attracting considerable attention from researchers. However, exosomes act in a source‑dependent manner as exosomes from different sources can exhibit distinct roles in the onset and progression of CRC. The present review systematically summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of exosomes from different sources on promoting or inhibiting CRC. Additionally, the potential of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC are also discussed, thus providing a foundation for the future application of exosomes in managing CRC.