B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: importance of angiogenesis and antiangiogenic therapy

Angiogenesis is critical for the initiation and progression of solid tumors, as well as hematological malignancies. While angiogenesis in solid tumors has been well characterized, a large body of investigation is devoted to clarify the impact of angiogenesis on lymphoma development. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy with a highly heterogeneity. The malignancy remains incurable despite that the addition of rituximab to conventional chemotherapies provides substantial improvements. Several angiogenesis-related parameters, such as proangiogenic factors, circulating endothelial cells, microvessel density, and tumor microenvironment, have been identified as prognostic indicators in different types of B-NHL. A better understanding of how these factors work together to facilitate lymphoma-specific angiogenesis will help to design better antiangiogenic strategies. So far, VEGF-A monoclonal antibodies, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting VEGF receptors, and immunomodulatory drugs with antiangiogenic activities are being tested in preclinical and clinical studies. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of the role of angiogenesis in B-NHL, and discusses the applications of antiangiogenic therapies.