Tumor Cell-Induced Platelet Aggregation

Synonyms

Cancer cell–platelet microemboli; Pathological tumor cell–platelet interaction; Tumor cell–platelet aggregate; Tumor cell–platelet interaction; Tumor-induced platelet aggregation

Definition

Tumor cell–induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) is the ability of cancer cells to generate crucial molecules or surface receptor molecules that mediate platelet aggregation and accelerate the survival advantages of tumor cells in the vasculature, which is important for distant metastasis of cancer.

Characteristics

Hematogenous metastasis of cancer cells to critical distant organs is one of the major reasons for death in most cancer patients. After invasioninto blood vessels, circulating cancer cells may interact with various vascular cells such as leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells that may affect the survival and metastasis of tumor cells. Although normal platelet functions are important to control vascular hemostasis and thrombosis, cancer cells may express many factors which...