VEGF and myeloid leukemias

Vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors participate in the growth and survival of myeloid leukemic progenitors. With the development of multiple anti-angiogenic agents, there is potential that some of these novel agents will have anti-leukemic activity. Since these agents work by mechanisms distinct from current cytotoxic chemotherapies, they may be useful both in chemoresistant leukemia patients and in combinations to improve remission rates and remission durations.