Tumor–stromal cell communication: small vesicles signal big changes

Reciprocal interactions between malignant and stromal cells create a local microenvironment that fosters tumor growth. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) such as exosomes, microvesicles, and large oncosomes are involved in tumor–stroma communication by shuttling signaling cargo and other molecules. Here we discuss how EVs released by cancer or stromal cells impact the proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism of tumors.