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Review
. 2025 Feb 15;15(2):407-425.
doi: 10.62347/JAYK5667. eCollection 2025.

Advances and potentials in platelet-circulating tumor cell crosstalk

Jie Yang  1 , Pingyao Xu  1 , Guiji Zhang  1 , Dongsheng Wang  1 , Bo Ye  1 , Lichun Wu  1
Affiliations
Review

Advances and potentials in platelet-circulating tumor cell crosstalk

Jie Yang et al. Am J Cancer Res. .

Abstract

Tumor metastasis leads to circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that separate from primary malignant tumors and enter blood circulation. CTCs survive and engage with other cells to cope with obstacles, including shear stress, disease, immune attacks, and drugs. Platelets are the best partners for CTCs. Platelets provide a good protective layer for CTCs to ensure that are not monitored and cleared by the native immune system, and protected from shear stress and survive better. Here, we review current reports on platelet-CTC interaction and the clinical relevance of their combination and summarize new techniques for CTC capture and treatment based on platelet-CTC interaction. We discuss current data, identify its shortcomings, and suggest future developments.

Keywords: Circulating tumor cells; clinical relevance; liquid biopsy; platelets; tumor metastasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Effects of bioactive molecules carried by platelet-derived extracellular vesicles on tumors.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Platelet-mediated circulating tumor cell (CTC) immune evasion.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Platelets involve in tumor metastasis as shelters for CTCs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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