Dynamics of CXC group chemokine platelet factor 4 (PF4) plasma levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

CXC chemokines display pleiotropic effects participating not only in inflammation, but regulating angiogenesis and metastatic spread in cancer. Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is a 70-amino acid protein belonging to the CXC chemokine family. PF4 is also known as CXCL4. This chemokine is released from alpha-granules of activated platelets and binds with high affinity to heparin-like molecules promoting coagulation. Megakaryocytes respond to the presence of tumors by increasing their number in the bone marrow accompanied by increase in the number of platelets in circulation, causing changes in chemokine balance.