Vascularity, angiogenesis and angiogenic factors in leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes

Bone marrow microenvironment plays a crucial role in the 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.