Angiogenesis in acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The bone marrow microenvironment plays a crucial role in leukemogenesis. Recent studies suggest that its vascularity changes significantly during this process and that angiogenic factors are of major importance in leukemia. This review summarizes the literature concerning the relationship between angiogenesis and the progression of acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is becoming increasingly evident that agents which interfere with angiogenesis also block tumor progression and anti-angiogenic management has become a prominent aspect of pre-clinical and clinical assessment. Recent applications of anti-angiogenic agents which interfere with or block leukemia progression are reviewed.