What is the potential use of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) in cancer treatment? A mini review

Abstract

Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is an autologous human platelet concentrate extracted from plasma. PRP has been investigated in order to be used in many fields, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal field applied to sports injuries, as well as on other medical fields such as cardiac surgery, gynecology, pediatric surgery, urology, ophthalmology and plastic surgery. Cancer treatment is another important field where PRP should be investigated; thus, it is important validating PRP preparation protocols to be used in clinical research. Many protocols should be revised since, overall, most studies do not provide necessary information to allow them to be multiplied or replicated. The current review focuses on several topics about cancer, mainly on innovative studies about PRP use as a feasible therapeutic alternative to treat bladder cancer -a field where it could play a key role. Relevant aspects such as platelets' contribution to immune regulation and the supportive role they play in innate and adaptive immune functions are also addressed. Another important topic reviewed in the current study refers to inflammatory process regulation associated with cancer and thrombosis sites, which indicated that tumor-induced platelet activation could be used as an important therapeutic target in the future. New aspects concerning nitric oxide's ability to restrain platelet adhesion and aggregation in order to slow metastasis progress in cancer patients provide an important advantage in cancer treatment. Finally, the current review has pointed out perspectives and the main concerns about, and possibilities of, PRP use in cancer treatment.

Intracavernous Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Enhances Erectile Function and Decreases the Mortality Rate in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Recent studies and evidence from the available literature state that insufficient nerve growth factors and vascular endothelial growth factors in the blood are highly associated with DM-ED [ 2 , 9 , 15 ]. The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is clinically proven with plenty of vital growth factors [ 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. The indispensable part of the PRP is easy to collect and can separate the content from the blood with a simple centrifugation technique.…”

Recent advances in platelet-rich plasma and its derivatives: therapeutic agents for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

“…PRP has a high concentration of growth factors, which encourages the differentiation of stem cells, the proliferation of undifferentiated stem cells and capillaries, as well as the stimulation of endothelial cells and angiogenesis [182][183][184]. PRP is being investigated for usage in mastectomy-related breast reconstruction surgery [185].…”

Recent Advances in Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Recurrent Reproductive Failure

“…In fact, platelets are capable of regulating immune responses. The TGFβ content of platelets mediates the immunosuppressive effect on T cells, furthermore, platelets can suppress the CD8 + T cell's function [225].…”