Hematological Neoplasia and Angiogenesis: A Review

Abstract

Angiogenesis, a term applied to the formation of capillaries from preexisting vessels is a crucial phenomenon for the continuous growth of neoplastic cells and cancer progression. This relationship has been described in several hematologic malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes. Vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor are predictors of poor prognosis in leukemia and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Furthermore, microvessel density is correlated with decreased survival in leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma patients. This review addresses evidence of the role of angiogenesis in hematopoietic malignancies.

Keywords: Angiogenic Molecules, Inhibitors of Angiogenesis, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors, Bone Marrow Microenvironment, Bone Marrow-Derived Endothelial Precursor cells (EPCS), Multiple Myeloma, Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Lymphoma, Autocrine and Paracrine Loops, Lymphangiogenesis, Antiangiogenic Treatment.