Platelet–Acute Leukemia Interactions

Acute leukemia (AL) is a hematological malignancy with high morbidity and mortality that is caused by abnormal hematopoietic stem cells. AL can change the parameters, quality, and function of platelets through numerous mechanisms, resulting in bleeding and even death in AL patients. Hence, AL patients are often clinically treated using normal platelet transfusion. However, studies have found that platelets can also affect AL cells. This review discusses the changes occurring in platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, reticulated platelets, platelet membrane glycoprotein, platelet aggregation, and activation in AL patients, the causes of these changes, and the possible significance of these changes for patient prognosis. The effects of platelets on the proliferation and drug resistance of AL cells are also discussed.