Vitamin K-dependent processes in tumor cells

Tumor cells are known to interfere with blood coagulation pathways of the host by producing procoagulants and other substances, thereby deriving certain advantages relating to tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Anticoagulants may diminish these advantages under certain conditions. The interaction between coumarin anticoagulants and tumor cells has been reviewed with respect to procoagulants and their vitamin K-dependent properties. Evidence is also presented which suggests that vitamin K-dependent protein carboxylation is a general property of tumor cells.