Microparticles (MPs) are membrane vesicles which are released from normal and malignant cells
following a process of budding and detachment from donor cells. MPs contain surface antigens, proteins and
genetic material and serve as vectors of intercellular communication. MPs comprise the major source of systemic
RNA including microRNA (miRNA), the aberrant expression of which appears to be associated with stage,
progression and spread of many cancers. Our previous study showed that MPs carry both transcripts and miRNAs
associated with the acquisition of multidrug resistance in cancer.