1. Undercover Agents: Targeting Tumours with Modified Platelets.
- Author
-
Hyslop SR and Josefsson EC
- Subjects
- Cell Movement genetics, Humans, Neoplasm Metastasis, Neoplasms genetics, Neoplasms pathology, Neoplasms therapy, Blood Platelets ultrastructure, Neoplasms blood, Platelet Aggregation genetics
- Abstract
Platelets have long been recognised to colocalise with tumour cells throughout haematogenous metastasis. Interactions between these cells contribute to tumour cell survival and motility through the vasculature into other tissues. Now, the research focus is shifting towards developing means to exploit this relationship to provide accurate diagnostics and therapies. Alterations to platelet count, RNA profile, and platelet ultrastructure are associated with the presence of certain malignancies, and may be used for cancer detection. Additionally, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are enhanced through the use of platelet membranes to specifically target cancer cells and camouflage the foreign particles from the immune system. This review discusses the development of platelets into highly powerful tools for cancer diagnostics and therapies., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
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