Platelets and cancer

Lancet Oncol. 2002 Jul;3(7):425-30. doi: 10.1016/s1470-2045(02)00789-1.

Abstract

The presence of platelets in association with cancer deposits has been recognised for over 100 years; however, the recognition of a two-way interaction has been more recent. The link between cancer spread and platelet stimulation is pivotal to understanding of the hypercoagulable state found in most cancer patients. The assistance of platelets in cancer spread may provide opportunities to interrupt this relation, thus inhibiting metastasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / metabolism*
  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology