ABSTRACT
The prognostic relevance of increased angiogenesis in the field of hematological malignancies was for the first time observed in Multiple Myeloma. In various malignancies, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) is associated with increased tumor growth. Angiogenesis is stimulated by growth hormones such as VEGFA, fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and during hypoxic conditions. Endogenous inhibitors of angiogenesis include various antiangiogenic peptides, hormone metabolites, and apoptosis modulators. Angiogenesis and angiogenic factors have also been studied in malignant lymphomas. The role of angiogenesis and angiogenic factors is has been studied more extensively in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas compared with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The importance of VEGFA and angiogenesis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia is controversial. An elevated microvessel density (MVD) of the bone marrow is also one of the characteristics for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia had a significantly higher MVD measured in bone marrow biopsies than controls.
