Tumor-Educated Platelets Publisher Pubmed

Summary: Platelets spying on cancer? Research suggests tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) interact with cancer cells, promoting growth via altered adhesion and receptors—could serve as blood biomarkers for prognosis. #Cancer #Platelets

Najafi S^{1, 2} ; Asemani Y³ ; Majidpoor J⁴ ; Mahmoudi R⁵ ; Aghaeizarch SM⁶ ; Mortezaee K⁷
Source: Clinica Chimica Acta Published:2024

Abstract

Beyond traditional roles in homeostasis and coagulation, growing evidence suggests that platelets also reflect malignant transformation in cancer. Platelets are present in the tumor microenvironment where they interact with cancer cells. This interaction results in direct and indirect “education” as evident by platelet alterations in adhesion molecules, glycoproteins, nucleic acids, proteins and various receptors. Subsequently, these tumor-educated platelets (TEPs) circulate throughout the body and play pivotal roles in promotion of tumor growth and dissemination. Accordingly, platelet status can be considered a unique blood-based biomarker that can potentially predict prognosis and therapeutic success. Recently, liquid biopsies including TEPs have received much attention as safe, minimally invasive and sensitive alternatives for patient management. Herein, we provide an overview of TEPs and explore their benefits and limitations in cancer. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.