Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most frequent and lethal cancers globally, with early detection remaining a significant challenge because of asymptomatic early stages and limitations of current screening methods. This underscores the pressing need for new, non-invasive biomarkers for early CRC detection to enhance patient outcomes. Advancements in the molecular biology of cancer have highlighted the importance of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the genesis and progression of CRC. Exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), microRNAs (miR-NAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have shown promise in this regard. These molecules, carried by small extracellular vesicles known as exosomes, are key players in cell communication and have been associated with the regulation of essential cancer pathways, including cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review discusses the potential of exosomal ncRNAs as innovative biomarkers and therapeutic targets in CRC. This study covers their role in cancer biology, the challenges in their application, and future directions for leveraging these ncRNAs to advance CRC diagnosis and treatment. Exploring exosomal ncRNAs opens new avenues for enhancing CRC management through early detection and targeted therapy, potentially transforming oncology patient care.
Jayaraman et al. (2026) studied this question.