Unveiling the hidden role of tumor-educated platelets in cancer: a promising marker for early diagnosis and treatment

Abstract Cancer is a leading global cause of death, yet early detection and treatment are vital for enhancing patients’ lives. In recent years, scientists have been studying tumor biomarkers to help diagnose and predict the outcome of cancer. However, current biomarkers have limitations, so researchers are on the hunt for new ones to make tumor diagnosis more accurate. When tumor cells enter the bloodstream, they interact with different types of blood cells and platelets. During these interactions, platelets pick up molecules from the tumor cells, such as proteins, genetic material, and other substances. This results in alterations to the RNA and protein profiles of the platelets, forming tumor-educated platelets (TEPs). These TEPs are associated with the progression and spread of cancer due to their interactions with tumor cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at recent research on TEPs as potential biomarkers for cancer. It will explore how TEPs are formed, their interactions with tumor cells, and the changes in their genetic and protein makeup, as well as their clinical importance. The aim is to provide novel insights for formulating strategies to prevent and treat cancer.