Is COVID-19-Induced Platelet Activation a Cause of Concern for Patients with Cancer?

Authors

Lenard M Lichtenberger
K Vinod Vijayan

Publication Date

3-1-2021

Journal

Cancer Research

DOI

10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-3691

PMID

33355186

PMCID

PMC8026656

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

9-1-2021

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

Blood Platelets, COVID-19, Humans, Inflammation, Neoplasms, Platelet Activation, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, SARS-CoV-2, Thrombosis

Abstract

Patients with cancer are more susceptible to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 and develop severe outcomes including ICU admittance, mechanical ventilator support, and a high rate of mortality. Like mid-to late-stage cancer, SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with platelet hyperactivity, systemic inflammation, thrombotic complications, and coagulopathy. Platelets also promote cancer cell growth, survival in circulation, and angiogenesis at sites of metastases. In this article, we will discuss the potential for platelets in the development of systemic inflammation and thrombosis in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with cancer, with the concern that the platelet-induced pathogenic events are likely magnified in cancer patients with COVID-19.