Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1, and not receptor 2, is an independent prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFRs) are major regulators of angiogenesis, which plays a key role in the growth and dissemination of solid tumors and hematologic neoplasms.

Methods: The authors measured the plasma concentrations of soluble VEGFR1 (sVEGFR1) and sVEGFR2 in 133 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and in 80 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) at the time of initial presentation and compared clinical behaviors.

Results: A reverse correlation was observed between plasma sVEGFR1 levels and the rate of complete remission (CR) in patients with AML, but not in patients with MDS.

Increased apoptosis in bone marrow B lymphocytes but not T lymphocytes in myelodysplastic syndrome.

The hallmark of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is enhanced apoptosis in myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocytic cells in the bone marrow leading to ineffective hematopoiesis. Recent studies suggested that immunological and microenvironmental factors play a role in the pathophysiology of this disease. We report a significant increase in apoptosis in bone marrow B lymphocytes in MDS as compared to that found in acute myeloid leukemia and healthy controls.