Emerging Strategies for Platelet-Modified Nanoparticles in Targeted Tumor Therapy

Platelets play a crucial role in tumor development through a bidirectional interaction with cancer cells. On one hand, platelets promote tumor proliferation, metastasis, and immune evasion; on the other, tumors can activate platelets, creating a feedback loop that accelerates disease progression. Disrupting this interaction by targeting platelets has emerged as a promising strategy to control tumor growth and dissemination. However, traditional antiplatelet drugs often lack tumor specificity, limiting their therapeutic efficacy and increasing the risk of adverse effects such as bleeding. To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to nanotechnology to design platelet-modified nanoparticles that enhance tumor targeting and improve treatment precision. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of these nanoparticles, including those aimed at modulating platelet-tumor interactions, directly treating tumors, or improving radiotherapy outcomes. The distinct advantages of platelet-modified nanoparticles are also discussed, such as enhanced drug delivery, minimized off-target effects, and superior biocompatibility. Finally, their potential clinical applications and implications for cancer therapy is explored, highlighting how these innovations could transform the treatment landscape for malignant tumors. This review underscores the significance of platelet-targeting strategies in advancing cancer nanomedicine and addresses current challenges in the field.