Smart nano exosomes as precision drug carriers: a new frontier in targeted treatment of oral cancer.

Oral cancer remains a major global health concern due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditional therapies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often come with significant side effects and limited effectiveness, especially in advanced stages. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have opened new avenues for targeted drug delivery and personalized treatment approaches. Among these innovations, exosome-based nanocarriers have emerged as promising candidates for the efficient treatment of oral cancer. Exosomes, naturally occurring extracellular vesicles, are involved in intercellular communication and are capable of encapsulating a wide range of therapeutic agents, including drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. The inherent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and ability to cross biological barriers make exosomes an ideal platform for drug delivery. Moreover, the use of "smart" modifications, such as targeting ligands, stimuli-responsive materials, and surface engineering, has further enhanced their specificity and therapeutic efficacy for oral cancer. This review highlights recent progress in the development of smart nano-exosomes for oral cancer therapy, focusing on their design strategies, and clinical potential. It also discusses the challenges and future directions of this promising approach in the fight against oral cancer.