Tumour-Educated Platelets Emerge as a Novel Liquid Biopsy Platform for Early Cancer Detection
Platelets isolated from cancer patients carry distinct RNA and protein profiles shaped by tumour-derived signals, a phenomenon termed tumour education. This review examines the mechanisms by which tumours reprogram platelet biology, including direct uptake of tumour factors, altered RNA splicing, and changes in megakaryocyte differentiation. The authors assess the diagnostic potential of tumour-educated platelets as a readily accessible liquid biopsy source for early cancer detection.
The original study
Lessons to learn from tumor-educated platelets.
- Authors
- Roweth HG, Battinelli EM
- Journal
- Blood
- Type
- Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Review
- PMID
- 33940594
Original abstract
Platelets have long been known to play important roles beyond hemostasis and thrombosis. Now recognized as a bona fide mediator of malignant disease, platelets influence various aspects of cancer progression, most notably tumor cell metastasis. Interestingly, platelets isolated from cancer patients often display distinct RNA and protein profiles, with no clear alterations in hemostatic activity. This phenotypically distinct population, termed tumor-educated platelets, now receive significant attention for their potential use as a readily available liquid biopsy for early cancer detection. Although the mechanisms underpinning platelet education are still being defined, direct uptake and storage of tumor-derived factors, signal-dependent changes in platelet RNA processing, and differential platelet production by tumor-educated megakaryocytes are the most prominent scenarios. This article aims to cover the various modalities of platelet education by tumors, in addition to assessing their diagnostic potential.