Platelet factor 4 and its modulatory effect on systemic carcinogenesis

Abstract

I read with great interest the recent article by Sandset [ [1] Sandset P.M. CXCL4-platelet factor 4, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and cancer. Thromb Res. 2012; 129: S97-S100 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (14) Google Scholar ]. Platelet factor four (PF4) modulates tumor growth in a number of systemic malignancies. Decreased survival and a worse prognosis is seen in patients with pancreatic malignancies and high serum PF4 levels. Simultaneously, pancreatic carcinoma patients with elevated PF4 levels exhibit a higher risk of developing venous thrombi [ [2] Poruk K.E. Firpo M.A. Huerter L.M. et al. Serum platelet factor 4 is an independent predictor of survival and venous thromboembolism in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2010; 19: 2605-2610 Crossref PubMed Scopus (41) Google Scholar ]. PF4 also helps to differentiate pancreatic malignancies from chronic pancreatitis. PF4 also attenuates tumor growth in prostate malignancies. In fact, vitamin E, selenium and lycopene when used together decrease tumor growth in prostate carcinomas by increasing the expression of PF4 [ [3] Cervi D. Pak B. Venier N.A. et al. Micronutrients attenuate progression of prostate cancer by elevating the endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, platelet factor-4. BMC Cancer. 2010; 10: 258 Crossref PubMed Scopus (15) Google Scholar ]. PF4 in turn attenuates tumor angiogenesis. The micronutrient combination also augments platelet binding and thereby concentrates the PF4 at the endothelial surfaces.