Multifaceted Functions of Platelets in Cancer: From Tumorigenesis to Liquid Biopsy Tool and Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Platelets contribute to several types of cancer through plenty of mechanisms. Upon activation, platelets release many molecules, including growth and angiogenic factors, lipids, and extracellular vesicles, and activate numerous cell types, including vascular and immune cells, fibroblasts, and cancer cells. Hence, platelets are a crucial component of cell–cell communication. In particular, their interaction with cancer cells can enhance their malignancy and facilitate the invasion and colonization of distant organs. These findings suggest the use of antiplatelet agents to restrain cancer development and progression. Another peculiarity of platelets is their capability to uptake proteins and transcripts from the circulation. Thus, cancer-patient platelets show specific proteomic and transcriptomic expression patterns, a phenomenon called tumor-educated platelets (TEP). The transcriptomic/proteomic profile of platelets can provide information for the early detection of cancer and disease monitoring. Platelet ability to interact with tumor cells and transfer their molecular cargo has been exploited to design platelet-mediated drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxicity often associated with traditional chemotherapy. Platelets are extraordinary cells with many functions whose exploitation will improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Platelets, Constant and Cooperative Companions of Sessile and Disseminating Tumor Cells, Crucially Contribute to the Tumor Microenvironment

“…Platelets and coagulation play a crucial role in tumor progression and hematogenous metastasis and are therefore considered as valid pharmaceutical targets in anti-cancer therapy (Zhang et al, 2020). The important surveillance of platelet counts during chemotherapy, their role in chemoresitance, and the potential use of platelets as drug delivery systems in chemotherapy have recently been reviewed (Swier and Versteeg, 2017;Dovizio et al, 2020;Zhang et al, 2020). Therefore, we will not focus on this platelet-dependent aspect of chemotherapy, but will here focus on targeting platelets as relevant constituents of the TME.…”

Aspirin Colorectal Cancer Prevention in Lynch Syndrome: Recommendations in the Era of Precision Medicine

“…Platelets can uptake circulating proteins and RNAs/microRNAs, thus acquiring a different intracellular molecular repertoire specific to the individual clinical condition. The analysis of platelet content (and of platelet-derived microvesicles), as a whole of transcript (transcriptomics) or proteins (proteomics), has the promise of being a novel tool for diagnosis and prognosis of several diseases, including cancer [ 41 ].…”

Platelets: The Emerging Clinical Diagnostics and Therapy Selection of Cancer Liquid Biopsies

“…Circulating platelets interact with tumour cells during their life cycle to obtain tumour-related biomolecules; additionally, they can continuously ingest and enrich circulating free proteins, nucleic acids, vesicles and particles. 86 There are two main sources of protein in the cytoplasm: one is inherited from its precursor megakaryocytes, such as platelet factor 4; the other is taken from the blood, such as P-selectin, Fibrinogen, etc. ; and some proteins have both sources at the same time, such as platelet factor V. After platelets are educated, their proteome and RNA expression profile undergo significant changes, so they are called "tumour-educated platelets".…”