Is COVID-19 - induced platelet activation a cause of concern for cancer patients?

Lichtenberger, Lenard M; Vijayan, K Vinod

Cancer patients 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 cancer patients, with the concern that the platelet-induced pathogenic events are likely magnified in cancer patients with COVID-19.