Sanchit Bharti

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies affecting women. Breast Cancer is characterised by its complex interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Among the various cellular components that influence tumor behavior, platelets play a pivotal yet often underappreciated role. Within the TME, platelets undergo significant molecular and functional alterations driven by continuous crosstalk with cancer cells and stromal factors, earning them the designation of 'tumor-educated platelets'. These reprogrammed platelets exhibit changes in their composition, including mitochondrial dysfunction, which not only affects their normal homeostatic functions but also enhances their capacity to support tumor progression. By releasing bioactive molecules, shielding circulating tumor cells, and modulating immune responses, these altered platelets contribute to cancer cell survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying platelet reprogramming and mitochondrial impairment in the context of breast cancer could open new avenues for early detection and therapeutic intervention.