The Platelet Lifeline to Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Cancer Cell
Author(s): Monika Haemmerle, Rebecca L. Stone, David G. Menter, Vahid Afshar-Kharghan, Anil K. Sood
Besides their function in limiting blood loss and promoting wound healing, experimental evidence has highlighted platelets as active players in all steps of tumorigenesis including tumor growth, tumor cell extravasation, and metastasis. Additionally, thrombocytosis in cancer patients is associated with adverse patient survival. Due to the secretion of large amounts of microparticles and exosomes, platelets are well positioned to coordinate both local and distant tumor-host crosstalk. Here, we present a review of recent discoveries in the field of platelet biology and the role of platelets in cancer progression as well as challenges in targeting platelets for cancer treatment.

Teaser

Besides their function in limiting blood loss and promoting wound healing, experimental evidence has highlighted platelets as active players in all steps of tumorigenesis including tumor growth, tumor cell extravasation, and metastasis. Additionally, thrombocytosis in cancer patients is associated with adverse patient survival. Due to the secretion of large amounts of microparticles and exosomes, platelets are well positioned to coordinate both local and distant tumor-host crosstalk. Here, we present a review of recent discoveries in the field of platelet biology and the role of platelets in cancer progression as well as challenges in targeting platelets for cancer treatment.


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