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Hématologie

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Platelets and tumors Volume 12, issue 6, Novembre-Décembre 2006

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Authors
INSERM U770, Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, IFR 93, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France

The role of platelets in tumorigenesis has been recognized for many years. However, the various mechanisms involved have been identified more recently. In this review, we give an update of the present knowledge on platelet-cancer relationship. Platelets can protect tumor cells from the immune system, mainly by preventing NK cells-induced lysis. They can also stimulate tumor growth and influence angiogenesis by releasing a number of molecules stored in their granules. In addition, adhesion of tumor cells to platelets leads to the formation of micro-thrombi which facilitate the metastatic process by allowing tumor cells to arrest in the blood stream and to adhere to the vascular wall. Thrombin, a strong platelet activator produced by tumor cells also plays an important role in the amplification of this process. Due to their important role in cancer spread, platelets may represent attractive targets to develop new therapies.