Review
Leukemia (2003) 17, 1961–1966. doi:10.1038/sj.leu.2403076
Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in multiple myeloma
R Ria1, A M Roccaro1, F Merchionne1, A Vacca1, F Dammacco1 and D Ribatti2
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Bari, Italy
- 2Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
Correspondence: Professor Dr D Ribatti, Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy. Fax: +39 080 5478 310; Email: ribatti@anatomia.uniba.it
Received 28 April 2003; Accepted 12 June 2003.
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) progresses from an avascular to a vascular phase (active MM) accompanied by a significant increase in microvessel density in the bone marrow. This article summarizes the literature concerning the specific role played by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in this process. Recent applications of antiangiogenic agents that interfere with VEGF signaling and block MM progression are also described.
Keywords:
angiogenesis, endothelial cells, multiple myeloma, tumor growth, vascular endothelial growth factor
