Angiogenesis in acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a word that refers to new blood vessel formation, and this process is of fundamental importance for physiological development and tissue homeostasis, as well as the genesis of several diseases, including tumors. Thus, studies carried out in the last years have shown that angiogenesis is essential for the growth of many solid tumors. Angiogenesis is also important for the growth of many hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Endothelial cells are essential constituents of the bone marrow vascular niches, structures essential for the survival and maintenance of normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Bone marrow endothelial cells play an essential role in leukemia development and there is growing evidence that a targeting of both leukemic and endothelial cells of the leukemic vascular niche may improve the efficacy of antileukemic therapies. Bone marrow angiogenesis is frequently increased in AML, is morphologically evidenced as increased microvascular density, and is typically associated with some AML subtypes. The molecular mechanisms underlying the increased angiogenesis in some AML subtypes have been defined. In conclusion, a better understanding of angiogenesis as well as the fundamental interactions between bone marrow endothelial cells and leukemic stem cells may contribute to improve antileukemia treatments.

Keywords

Acute myeloid leukemia / angiogenesis / microvascular density / vascular niche / endothelial cells / endothelial growth factors

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