Angiogenesis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Opportunities for Novel Therapies

Overview

Journal J Oncol

Specialty Oncology

Date 2011 Sep 10

PMID 21904549

Citations 22

Authors

Angelica Trujillo

Christie McGee

Christopher R Cogle

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arises from neoplastic transformation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and relapsed disease remains one of the greater challenges in treating this hematologic malignancy. This paper focuses on angiogenic aspects of AML including the significance and prognostic value of bone marrow microvessel density and circulating cytokine levels. We show three general mechanisms whereby AML exploits angiogenic pathways, including direct induction of angiogenesis, paracrine regulation, and autocrine stimulation. We also present early evidence that leukemia cells contribute directly to vascular endothelia. Novel treatment strategies are proposed, and a review of relevant antiangiogenic clinical trials is presented. By understanding how blood vessels can serve as a reservoir for refractory and relapsed AML, new diagnostics and promising treatment strategies can be developed.

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