Role of platelets in hematogenous metastasis of tumors

The well-known functions of platelets are participation in the hemostasis system and thrombosis, which, in turn, are performed by their adhesion to damaged tissues, as well as aggregation among themselves with the formation of a hemostatic plug that covers the lesion. The adhesion and aggregation abilities of platelets are determined by their specific membrane glycoproteins. However, platelet functionality is not limited solely to thrombosis. For example, there is evidence for the use of platelets by tumor cells to effect metastasis. This publication summarizes the international literature on the role of platelets in hematogenous tumor metastasis.