Unraveling platelets’ dual role: Bridging inflammation and cancer toward innovative therapeutic strategies

Abstract

Platelets are the components that are traditionally used for maintaining homeostasis, derived from the megakaryocytic. The recent research development of platelets shows an interesting result in the modulation of immune response, inflammation, and tumor treatment. Platelet activation is a sequential process that is tightly controlled by a variety of receptors, signaling molecules, and intracellular pathways. However, the formation of platelet aggregation is a useful biomarker for systematic inflammation. Moreover, malignant cells can induce activation of platelet through the discharge of prothrombotic factors, namely, tissue factor and cancer procoagulant. Once activated, platelets aggregate around tumor cells, forming a protective shield that prevents immune cells from recognizing and destroying the tumor. Some of the antiplatelet agents, including aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors, are extensively used for preventing cardiovascular diseases; however, studies performed recently have shown that they may also have potential in cancer therapy. Targeting new approaches for the platelets could emerge the therapeutic activity not only for the chronic inflammation but also for the disruption of cancer progression. However, new approaches like the treatment through platelets may cause serious complications, but future research can lead to targeted treatments, which offer the potential therapeutic approaches in improving patient outcomes in both inflammatory diseases and cancer.