The role of microvessel density, as an independent prognostic factor was demonstrated in solid tumors but little is known about angiogenesis in hematopoietic tumors. In our study we reevaluated 48 bone marrow biopsies originating from patients diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes. The purpose was to determine the extent of angiogenesis and mast cells number, cases being divided in three prognostic categories, according to standard WHO criteria. The quantification parameters mentioned above showed significant correlation in vessel scores in unfavorable MDS category compared to normal bone marrows microvessel density (p<0.05). There was no correlation between increased microvessel density and bone marrow cellularity, WBC and hemoglobin level. Increased bone marrow blast counts were accompanied by intensified angiogenesis, but without significant correlation between the two prognostic factors. Despite of data with contrary results from the literature, there was no significant correlation in vessel scores and mast cell count in bone marrow. Based on the results we consider that indication of the microvessel density scores in the histopathological report in MDS is beneficially in order to elaborate an individual therapy supplemented with angiogenesis inhibitors.
Keywords: myelodysplastic syndromes, angiogenesis, prognosis