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Angiogenesis in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
S Vincent Rajkumar1, Suzanne Hayman, Philip R Greipp
1Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Seminars in Oncology
|April 30, 2003
Summary
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, appears less critical in Waldenstrom
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Angiogenesis is linked to disease progression in hematologic cancers like multiple myeloma.
- Understanding angiogenesis in plasma cell disorders, such as Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and significance of angiogenesis in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM).
- To assess the correlation between microvessel density (MVD) and disease characteristics in WM.
- To determine if angiogenesis is a prognostic factor for survival in WM patients.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted at the Mayo Clinic to evaluate angiogenesis in patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM).
- Microvessel density (MVD) was measured to assess the grade of angiogenesis.
- Correlation analysis was performed between MVD, marrow infiltration, and patient survival.
Main Results:
- Only 30% of WM patients exhibited intermediate- or high-grade angiogenesis.
- A weak correlation was observed between mean microvessel density (MVD) and bone marrow infiltration.
- Unlike in multiple myeloma, MVD and angiogenesis grade did not predict survival in WM patients.
Conclusions:
- Angiogenesis may not be a primary driver of disease progression or a significant prognostic factor in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM).
- The findings do not rule out a potential paracrine role for angiogenic cytokines in WM.
- Further research into anti-angiogenic agents for WM is still warranted.