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exosome

(EK-soh-some)
A tiny sac-like structure that is formed inside a cell and contains some of the cell’s proteins, DNA, and RNA. Exosomes get released into the blood by many types of cells, including cancer cells, and travel through the blood to other parts of the body. They are able to transfer the proteins, DNA, and RNA they contain into other cells. Exosomes may play a role in the spread of cancer and may also keep immune cells from killing cancer cells. They are being studied in the laboratory to help develop new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer, including preventing the spread of cancer cells in the body.
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Search NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms