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URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/news/Leukemia-cell-stimulation-of-bone-marrow-angiogenesis-encourages-cancer-progression-6331.html

Leukemia cell stimulation of bone marrow angiogenesis encourages cancer progression

11-08-2006

According to a study from the United States, "Extensive endothelial cell proliferation and marked neovascularization are the most pronounced microenvironmental changes consistently observed in the bone marrow (BM) of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is not known whether ALL cells induce this phenotype and whether they receive critical signals from the tumor-associated BM endothelium."

"Here, we show that leukemia cells actively stimulate BM endothelium, promote de novo angiogenesis, and induce neovascularization in the leukemic BM. Soluble factors, present in the leukemic BM microenvironment, promote the proliferation, migration, and morphogenesis of BM endothelial cells, which are critical processes in tumor angiogenesis," wrote J.P. Veiga and colleagues, Harvard University.

Scientists said, "We also show in vitro that leukemia cells display directional motion towards assembled BM endothelium and following adherence exhibit cell polarization, pseudopodia, and ultrastructural features that suggest the existence of leukemia-endothelium cross-talk. Finally, we show that BM endothelium promotes leukemia cell survival through a mechanism mediated through the anti-apoptotic molecule bcl-2.

"These studies indicate that ALL cells actively recruit BM endothelium and mediate the leukemia-associated neovascularization observed in ALL. Therefore, disruption of interactions between leukemia cells and BM endothelium may constitute a valid therapeutic strategy."

Veiga and colleagues published the results of their research in Experimental Hematology (Leukemia-stimulated bone marrow endothelium promotes leukemia cell survival. Exp Hematol, 2006;34(5):610-621).

For additional information, contact A.A. Cardoso, Harvard University, School of Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dept. Med Oncology, Room D-540B, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115, USA.