Platelets and cancer

Microvesicles derived from activated platelets induce metastasis and angiogenesis in lung cancer

“…The data from this work may explain, at least in part, the exacerbating effects of high platelet counts on cancer progression 43,44,46 by the action of PMV and exosomes derived from them. Further supporting our data is a recent report showing that the increased level of PMV circulating in PB is a strong predictor of metastasis in patients with gastric cancer.…”

“…[43][44][45][46] Induction of thrombocytopenia reduces experimental metastases, which can be increased, on the other hand, by platelet transfusions. 46 In this work, we hypothesized that these platelet-related effects are mediated by microvesicles or exosomes released from activated platelets, and hence we examined their influence on biologic processes related to the progression, metastasis and angiogenesis of lung tumors. In our experiments, we employed doses of PMV that we considered to be clinically relevant.…”

The role of platelet activation in tumor metastasis

“…The pathophysiology of thrombosis in cancer is complex but likely includes all aspects of Virchow's triad: stasis of blood, vascular trauma and hypercoagulability of blood itself [1,4]. The clinical evidence for higher platelet counts, high platelet turnover, and the presence of activated platelets in the circulation generally indicates poor prognosis in most cancers [3,[28][29][30]. Although substantial clinical, epidemiologic and pathologic evidence validate the cancer associated thrombosis, this phenomenon has been considered an epiphenomenon of cancer progression for a long time.…”

“…Although the initial clinical observations of migratory thromboses and platelet-rich microthrombi are mostly associated with gastrointestinal malignancies, the majority of advanced cancer patients develop thrombotic abnormalities and hypercoagulable state [1][2][3][4].…”

“…Various human and animal tumor cells were found to be capable of inducing platelet aggregation and activation [e.g. 3,[8][9][10][11]. Any interference in platelet-tumor cell interactions with anti-platelet agents has consistently demonstrated potent anti-metastatic effects [reviewed in 10,12].…”