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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
03:53
Extracellular Vesicle Tissue Factor Activity Assay
Published on: December 29, 2023
Tissue factor-bearing microparticles and cancer
1Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. jzwicker@bidmc.harvard.edu
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis
|July 23, 2008
Summary
Tissue factor (TF)-bearing microparticles contribute to blood clots. Researchers are measuring these microparticles in cancer patients to understand their role in cancer-associated thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Blood-borne tissue factor (TF)-bearing microparticles are implicated in thrombus propagation.
- Cancer-associated thrombosis is a significant clinical concern.
- Tumor cells release TF-bearing microparticles, which are detectable in advanced cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathophysiologic role of TF-bearing microparticles in prothrombotic conditions, specifically cancer-associated thrombosis.
- To explore the association between cancer thrombosis and elevated levels of circulating TF-bearing microparticles.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an impedance-based flow cytometer for precise sizing and enumeration of TF-bearing microparticles.
- Measuring circulating TF-bearing microparticles in plasma samples from patients.
Main Results:
- Circulating TF-bearing microparticles can be quantified in plasma samples.
- Elevations in TF-bearing microparticles are being explored in relation to cancer thrombosis.
Conclusions:
- TF-bearing microparticles are relevant to understanding cancer-associated thrombosis.
- Further research using advanced flow cytometry can elucidate the clinical significance of these microparticles.
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