Vascularity, angiogenesis and angiogenic factors in leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Bone marrow microenvironment plays a crucial role inthe leukemogenic process. New studies suggest that the bone marrow vascularity changes significantly in the leukemic process and that angiogenic factors play a major role in leukemia and myelodysplasia. However, hematologic malignancies appear to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of angiogenic factors because most of these factors appear to be secreted by hematopoietic cells, and they may have autocrine and paracrine regulatory effects on the hematopoietic system. The use of angiogenesis inhibitors for the treatment of hematologic malignancies is particularly attractive because it may target not only the environment but also the malignant cells.
Aguayo
Alvaro
A
Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Giles
Francis
F
Albitar
Maher
M
D006133:Growth Substances / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology
D006133:Growth Substances; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor