Soluble angiopoietin-2/sTie2 receptor ratio is an independent prognostic marker in adult acute myeloid leukemia.

AIM: Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting one. The angiopoietins act a central role in these process. The aim of the present study is to the assess the impact of the circulating levels of angiopoietin-1 (Angi-1), Angiopoietin-2 (Angi-2), soluble Tie2 receptor (sTie2), and calculated Angi-2/sTie2 ratio on overall survival in 71 acute myeloid leukemia patients and 19 normal controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ang-2, and calculated angi-2/sTie values were significantly higher in AML patients as compared to healthy volunteer (P= 0.002, 0.015 respectively) on the other hand Angi-1 was not significantly different in patients and control. RESULTS: In univariate Cox proportional hazards model Angi-2, sTie2, angi-2/sTie2 ratio were predictive of poor survival. In multivariate analysis the calculated angi-2/sTie2 ratio is independent prognostic factor, with relative risk of 3.939, with 95% confidence interval 0.002-0.001. CONCLUSION: The calculated angiopoietin-2/sTie2 ratio represent an independent prognostic factor in AML and its value should be considered when considering anti angiogenic therapy.