Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis
Published on: March 8, 2022
Increased levels of circulating platelet-derived microparticles are associated with metastatic cutaneous melanoma
Joséphine Moreau1,2, Fabien Pelletier1,2, Sabeha Biichle1,3
1INSERM UMR 1098, University of Bourgogne Franche Comté, Besançon, France.
Abstract:
We investigated the plasma levels of PMPs in patients with 45 stage III and 45 stage IV melanoma. PMPs were characterised by flow cytometry and their thrombogenic activity. We also investigated the link between PMPs circulating levels and tumor burden. The circulating levels of PMPs were significantly higher in stage IV (8500 μL-1 ) than in patients with stage III (2041 μL-1 ) melanoma (P=.0001). We calculated a highly specific (93.3%) and predictive (91.7%) cut-off value (5311 μL-1 ) allowing the distinction between high-risk stage III and metastatic stage IV melanoma. The thrombogenic activity of PMPs was significantly higher in patients with stage IV melanoma (clotting time: 40.7 second vs 65 second, P=.0001). There was no significant association between the radiological tumoral syndrome and the plasma level of PMPs. Our data suggest the role of PMPs in metastatic progression of melanoma.
Insights
Plasma levels of procoagulant microparticles (PMPs) are significantly higher in stage IV melanoma patients than in stage III. Elevated PMPs may indicate metastatic melanoma progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Melanoma staging is critical for prognosis and treatment.
- Procoagulant microparticles (PMPs) are implicated in thrombosis and cancer progression.
- The role of PMPs in melanoma metastasis requires further elucidation.
Discussion:
- Plasma PMP levels were significantly elevated in stage IV melanoma patients compared to stage III.
- A specific PMP threshold can differentiate high-risk stage III from metastatic stage IV melanoma.
- Increased PMP thrombogenic activity correlates with advanced melanoma stage.
Key Insights:
- Circulating PMP levels serve as a potential biomarker for melanoma stage.
- PMP thrombogenic activity is heightened in metastatic melanoma.
- No direct association was found between tumor burden and plasma PMP levels.
Outlook:
- Further research into PMPs could lead to novel diagnostic tools for melanoma.
- Targeting PMPs may offer therapeutic strategies to inhibit melanoma metastasis.
- Investigating PMP-mediated pathways could reveal new insights into melanoma progression.
Related Concept Videos
02:30Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...