Involvement of platelet-derived microparticles in tumor progression and thrombosis

Platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) represent the most abundant microparticle (MP) subtype. Their presence reflects platelet activity, physiopathology, and the thrombotic state of cancer patients. The quantity and composition of PMPs strictly depends on the way MPs were generated. Because platelets play a key role in cancer progression, as well as formation of metastasis, PMPs also may be important in the proliferation of cancer cells, cancer cell interactions, metastatic progression, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Alternatively, the concentration of circulating PMPs may differ according to the stage of a cancer and thus potentially could be used as a biomarker. Here we review the mechanisms underlying the generation and composition of PMPs and the clinical and experimental studies describing the involvement of PMPs in cancer and the Trousseau syndrome. Lastly, we focus on their clinical relevance, as well as their potential application as biomarkers in cancer.