The Role of Tissue Factor in Cancer-Related Hypercoagulability, Tumor Growth, Angiogenesis and Metastasis and Future Therapeutic Strategies

Crit Rev Oncog. 2017;22(3-4):219-248. doi: 10.1615/CritRevOncog.2018024859.

Abstract

It is widely recognized that a strong correlation exists between cancer and aberrant hemostasis. Patients with various types of cancers often develop thrombosis, a phenomenon commonly referred to as Trousseau syndrome. Tissue factor (TF) is expressed by tumor cells and contributes to a variety of pathologic processes, such as thrombosis, tumor growth, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis. Tissue factor is expressed in two naturally occurring protein isoforms: membrane-bound full-length TF (flTF) and soluble alternatively spliced TF (asTF). Tissue factor is the primary initiator of blood coagulation, and it triggers intracellular signaling through protease-activated receptors (PARs). PARs are activated either by TF/FVIIa complexes or by thrombin generated following coagulation activation. Furthermore, the noncoagulant asTF retains an integrin-binding site and stimulates angiogenesis by ligating endothelial integrins αvβ3 and α6β1. Lastly, the increased TF expression in tumors is associated with the release in blood of TF-positive procoagulant microparticles that favor thromboembolic complications. Therefore, the interruption of asTF and flTF signaling represents a potential antiangiogenic strategy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of TF in cancer, and we explore therapeutic perspectives based on TF targeting.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Thrombophilia / metabolism*
  • Thrombophilia / pathology
  • Thromboplastin / biosynthesis*
  • Tumor Burden / physiology*
  • Vascular Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Vascular Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Thromboplastin