Antiangiogenic therapy in leukemia

Angiogenesis is a fundamental element of the physiological processes of embryogenesis and wound healing. During malignant transformation, dysregulation of angiogenesis leads to the formation of a vascular network of tumor-associated capillaries promoting survival and proliferation of the cancerous cells. Activation, migration, proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells into mature blood vessels is driven by several cytokines and growth factors, known to be dysregulated in hematological malignancies. Thus, therapeutic interventions designed to eradicate the malignant clone should incorporate modulation of the angiogenic cascade. Antiangiogenic agents which target different components of the neovascularization process are being investigated in various solid tumors known to have increased vascularity. The role of angiogenesis in hematological malignancies, the rationale for the use of angiosuppressive therapy for these entities, and the status of novel antiangiogenic agents in clinical trials are discussed.