Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Related Pathways in Hemato-LymphoidMalignancies

Angiogenesis is essential for malignant tumor growth. This has been documented for solid tumors, and there is emerging evidence suggesting that tumor progression of hemato-lymphoid malignancies also depends on the induction of new blood vessel formation. The most important pro-angiogenic agent is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), activating VEGF receptors 1 and 2. The available data on angiogenesis in hemato-lymphoid malignancies such as acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, multiple myeloma and lymphomas, point towards the significance of autocrine and paracrine VEGF-mediated effects for proliferation and survival of leukemia/lymphoma cells in addition to tumor vascularization. Antiangiogenic strategies have become an important therapeutic modality for solid tumors. Several anti-angiogenic agents targeting VEGF-related pathways have are also being utilized in clinical trials for the treatment of hemato-lymphoid malignancies, and in some instances these pathways have emerged as promising therapeutic targets. This review summarizes recent advances in the basic understanding of the role of angiogenesis in hemato-lymphoidmalignancies and the translation of such basic findings into clinical studies.