Angiogenesis is attracting increased scientific and clinical interest. The identification of novel mediators and targeting molecules has led to significant progress in our understanding of tumor angiogenesis and tumor vessel targeting. Important advances in cancer treatment have already emerged, and in the future, blood vessel targeting will play a significant role within individualized therapeutic strategies. This volume provides a general overview of the latest developments in angiogenesis inhibition in cancer. All aspects from the bench to the bedside are considered, with detailed attention both to basic research and to its translation into clinical practice. Individual chapters are devoted to the roles of angiopoietins, HIF-1a, chemokines, PDGF and VEGF, and vascular integrins. The latest results of clinical trials are presented, and various advanced targeting strategies are discussed. This book will be invaluable to all who wish to learn of the most recent advances in this exciting field.

Abstract: Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia (AMKL) is associated with poor prognosis. Limited information is available on its cytogenetics, molecular genetics and clinical outcome. We performed genetic analyses, evaluated prognostic factors and the value of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in a homogenous adult AMKL patient cohort. We retrospectively analysed 38 adult patients with AMKL (median age: 58 years, range: 21-80). Most received intensive treatment in AML Cooperative Group (AMLCG) trials between 2001 and 2016. Cytogenetic data showed an accumulation of adverse risk markers according to ELN 2017 and an unexpected high frequency of structural aberrations on chromosome arm 1q (33%). Most frequently, mutations occurred in TET2 (23%), TP53 (23%), JAK2 (19%), PTPN11 (19%) and RUNX1 (15%). Complete remission rate in 33 patients receiving intensive chemotherapy was 33% and median overall survival (OS) was 33 weeks (95% CI: 21-45). Patients undergoing allo-HSCT (n = 14) had a superior median OS (68 weeks; 95% CI: 11-126) and relapse-free survival (RFS) of 27 weeks (95% CI: 4-50), although cumulative incidence of relapse after allo-HSCT was high (62%). The prognosis of AMKL is determined by adverse genetic risk factors and therapy resistance. So far allo-HSCT is the only potentially curative treatment option in this dismal AML subgroup