Abstract:
Platelets are conventionally defined as playing a vital role in homeostasis and thrombosis.
This role has over the years transformed as knowledge regarding platelets has expanded to include
inflammation, cancer progression, and metastasis. Upon platelet activation and subsequent aggregation,
platelets release a host of various factors, including numerous pro-inflammatory factors. These
pro-inflammatory factors are recruiters and activators of leukocytes, aiding in platelets’ immune
regulating function and inflammatory function. These various platelet functions are interrelated;
activation of the inflammatory function results in thrombosis and, moreover, in various disease
conditions, can result in worsened or chronic pathogenesis, including cancer. The role and contribution
of platelets in a multitude of pathophysiological events during hemostasis, thrombosis,
inflammation, cancer progression, and metastasis is an important focus for ongoing research. Platelet
activation as discussed here is present in all platelet functionalities and can result in a multitude of
factors and signaling pathways being activated. The cross-talk between inflammation, cancer, and
platelets is therefore an ideal target for research and treatment strategies through antiplatelet therapy.
Despite the knowledge implicating platelets in these mentioned processes, there is, nevertheless,
limited literature available on the involvement and impact of platelets in many diseases, including
myeloproliferative neoplasms. The extensive role platelets play in the processes discussed here is
irrefutable, yet we do not fully understand the complete interrelation and extent of these processes.
