The critical role of platelet in cancer progression and metastasis

Platelets play a crucial role in cancer blood metastasis. Various cancer-related factors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or extracellular matrix (ECM) can activate these small particles that function in hemostasis and thrombosis. Moreover, platelets induce Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to promote cancer progression and invasiveness. The activated platelets protect circulating tumor cells from immune surveillance and anoikis. They also mediate tumor cell arrest, extravasation and angiogenesis in distant organs through direct or indirect modulation, creating a metastatic microenvironment. This review summarizes the recent advances and progress of mechanisms in platelet activation and its interaction with cancer cells in metastasis.