Identification of a predictive marker signature for diagnosing HNSCC based on platelet RNAseq

Introduction Liquid biopsy offers a way identifying cancer by examination of body fluids. The present study deals with the analyses of ‚tumor-educated platelets‘ (TEP), a recently discovered novel option of liquid biopsy. Previous research identified a tumor cell – platelet interaction in different tumor entities, resulting in a transfer of tumor derived RNA into platelets, named further TEP.

Material and Methods Sequencing analysis of RNA derived from platelets of tumor patients and healthy donors was performed (n=5/5). Additionally, RNA from the corresponding tumor was sequenced. Bioinformatic tools were applied. Subsequently, quantitative RT-PCR was used for verification of differentially existing mRNA in platelets from tumor patients versus healthy donors in a second cohort (n=6/7).

Results RNAseq data revealed 426 significantly differentially existing RNA. Among them, we identified RNA coding for 49 genes characteristically expressed in epithelial cells. Additionally, in tumor patient’s platelets we observed RNA coding for genes involved in tumor progression by contributing to proliferation, metastasis or angiogenesis. We identified 5 differentially existing mRNA as potentially liquid biopsy biomarkers in TEP.

Conclusion Based on these promising results of this pilot study a prospective study including a larger cohort should be initiated in order to verify the here proposed predictive marker signature allowing the identification of HNSCC based on platelet RNAseq.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022