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Updated: May 14, 2026

Investigating von Willebrand Factor Pathophysiology Using a Flow Chamber Model of von Willebrand Factor-platelet String Formation
Published on: August 14, 2017
von Willebrand factor and cancer: a renewed interest
Massimo Franchini1, Francesco Frattini, Silvia Crestani
1Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantova, Italy. massimo.franchini@aopoma.it
Abstract:
Von Willebrand factor (VWF), the largest human plasma protein, is an adhesive multimeric glycoprotein that mediates platelet adhesion to both the subendothelial matrix and endothelial surfaces and acts as a carrier for coagulation factor VIII in the circulation. Besides its essential role in hemostasis, there is growing evidence from the literature that VWF has an additional antitumor effect, mainly by exerting negative modulation on angiogenesis and apoptosis. Current knowledge on the link between VWF and cancer is summarized in this review, based on an analysis of the most important experimental and clinical studies.
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