Circulating platelets as liquid biopsy sources for cancer detection

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Oncology
• Hematology

Background:

• Tumor cells release nucleic acids and proteins into the bloodstream, serving as potential cancer biomarkers.
• Liquid biopsies utilize circulating biomolecules, including both tumor-derived and non-tumor-derived markers.
• Platelets, abundant in blood, are increasingly recognized for their potential as a biosource for liquid biopsies due to their biomolecule uptake and processing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of platelets as a liquid biopsy source for cancer detection.
• To review existing studies supporting the use of platelet biomarkers in cancer diagnostics.
• To identify current limitations hindering the clinical implementation of platelet-based cancer biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical studies and existing literature on platelet biomarkers for cancer.
• Analysis of platelet RNA and protein content relevant to cancer detection.
• Assessment of platelet isolation methods and their clinical applicability.

Main Results:

• Platelets harbor diverse biomolecules, including various RNA types (mRNA, miRNA, circRNA, lncRNA, mitochondrial RNA) and proteins, making them valuable repositories for cancer biomarkers.
• Preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of platelet biomarkers for detecting various cancer types and stages.
• Platelets can be isolated efficiently using established clinical diagnostic methods.

Conclusions:

• Platelets represent a promising and accessible biosource for liquid biopsies in cancer detection.
• Further research and validation are needed to overcome challenges for routine clinical application of platelet biomarkers.
• The functional machinery within platelets allows for processing of RNA, enhancing their utility as a biomarker source.