The pathophysiologic role of VEGF in hematologic malignancies: therapeutic implications.
Besides its role as an essential regulator of physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) triggers growth, survival, and migration of leukemia and multiple myeloma cells; plays a pivotal role in hematopoiesis; inhibits maturation of dendritic cells; and increases osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity as well as osteoclast chemotaxis. Dysregulation of VEGF expression and signaling pathways therefore plays an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical features of hematologic malignancies, in particular multiple myeloma. Direct and indirect targeting of VEGF and its receptors therefore may provide a potent novel therapeutic approach to overcome resistance to therapies and thereby improve patient outcome.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Klaus
K
Podar
Kenneth C
KC
Anderson
D000818:Animals; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A