Abstract

Background : VEGF play a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia .

Objective :(1).Assess the pathophysiological role of VEGF in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia(CML). (2). Study the effect of Hydroxyurea and Imatinib on serum VEGF level.

Material and Methods : A total of 40 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and 20 age and sex matched healthy controls were included in this study. The patients were divided into three subcategory: Untreated cases (which did not receive any treatment);patients who were treated with Hydroxyurea and patients who were treated with Imatinib Mesylate . 5 ml of blood was collected , were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 10 minutes and stored at - 20°C until assay.

Results : On comparing the various subgroups with control, the values was 726.61 ±199.67 pg/ml in Untreated group. It was 573.53 ± 213.423 pg/ml in Hydroxyurea group and 530.00±180.96 pg/ml in Imatinib group. Fresh cases had significantly elevated VEGF value (P value < 0.001) . VEGF level significantly elevated in Untreated cases when compared to treated groups either hydroxyurea (p=0.02) or Imatinib (p=0.019). There was no significant difference between Hydroxyurea and Imatinib groups.

Conclusion : This study suggest that VEGF play a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia. Understanding this may help in designing new therapeutic strategies(antiangiogenic agents) for this dreaded disease.

Key words: VEGF,CML, Imatinib, Hydroxyurea