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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells

Published on: February 20, 2015

Microparticles in cancer.

¹Montreal Children's Hospital Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. janusz.rak@mcgill.ca

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis

|November 5, 2010

Summary

Cellular microparticles (MP) carry cancer-related molecules and can be used as biomarkers. These vesicles, released from various cells, provide insights into tumor progression and treatment response.

Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Oncology
Biochemistry

Background:

Microparticles (MP) are cell-derived vesicles released during cellular activation, stress, or death.
These vesicles, including exosomes and shed microvesicles, contain proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Current terminology for these vesicles is not standardized, with 'microparticles' and 'microvesicles' (MV) often used interchangeably.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the role of microparticles in cancer.
To highlight the molecular cargo of microparticles and their impact on tumor progression.
To discuss the potential of microparticles as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in oncology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on microparticles in cancer.
Analysis of the composition and function of microparticle cargo.

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Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells

Generation of Lymphocytic Microparticles and Detection of their Proapoptotic Effect on Airway Epithelial Cells

Published on: February 20, 2015

Tracking miRNA Release into Extracellular Vesicles using Flow Cytometry

Tracking miRNA Release into Extracellular Vesicles using Flow Cytometry

Published on: October 6, 2023

Micromanipulation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Downstream Molecular Analysis and Metastatic Potential Assessment

Micromanipulation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Downstream Molecular Analysis and Metastatic Potential Assessment

Published on: May 14, 2019

Evaluation of microparticles as biomarkers for cancer monitoring.

Main Results:

Oncogenic pathways increase microparticle production, incorporating oncoproteins and tissue factor.
Microparticle cargo can promote tumor progression, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
Circulating microparticles reflect cancer-specific molecular information.

Conclusions:

Microparticles are key mediators in cancer progression and metastasis.
Microparticles serve as valuable reservoirs for biomarkers to monitor tumor genetic evolution, angiogenesis, and treatment efficacy.