Abstract: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are spherical membranous vesicles surrounded by lipid bilayers. Apoptotic tumor cells-derived EVs (Apo-EVs), also named apoptosis body, were produced by apoptotic tumor cells. Functionally these Apo-EVs contained many active molecules and subcellular organelles, thus mediated signaling transduction among tumor cells and play an essential role in tumorigenesis. We summarized the role of Apo-EVs in cancer development and metastasis, also introduce its application in clinic setting such as the biomarker of diagnosis and prognostic as well as delivery carrier of therapeutic drug.

Key words: apoptosis, tumor, extracellular vesicles