Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), is a frequent complication in cancer patients, resulting in poor prognosis. Breast cancer is not highly thrombogenic but is highly prevalent, resulting in increased VTE cases. Many cancers express tissue factor (TF), a glycoprotein that triggers coagulation. The cancer cells were shown to express and release substantial amounts of TF-positive microparticles (MPTF), associated with a prothrombotic state. This narrative review evaluated the current use of the procoagulant MPTF as a biomarker for thrombosis risk in breast cancer.

Tumors of epithelial origin with elevated TF expression have been associated with increased VTE incidence. Thus, studies have affirmed the use of MPTF biomarkers for VTE risk in many cancers. Patients with metastatic breast cancer and CAT were found to exhibit elevated procoagulant microparticles in vitro, due to TF expression. The silencing of TF was associated with decreased microparticle release in breast carcinoma cell lines, associated with decreased coagulation.

CAT is a multifactorial condition, with several various underlying diseases. It is proposed that MPTF may be an effective biomarker for thrombosis risk in breast cancer patients but requires a more systemic evaluation utilizing standardized quantification methods.