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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
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Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

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Targeting TGF-β Signaling in Cancer

Selcuk Colak1, Peter Ten Dijke2

  • 1Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.

Trends in Cancer
|July 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling has dual roles in cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor early on but promoting metastasis and chemoresistance later. Targeting TGF-β requires careful dosing and patient selection for effective cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway exhibits complex roles in cancer development.
  • While acting as a tumor suppressor in early stages (cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis), TGF-β promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance in advanced cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the rationale for targeting TGF-β signaling in cancer.
  • To summarize the clinical status of TGF-β inhibitors.
  • To discuss biomarkers for predicting treatment efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TGF-β signaling in cancer.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for TGF-β inhibitors.
  • Examination of direct effects of TGF-β blockade on tumor and stromal cells.

Main Results:

  • TGF-β signaling's dual function presents challenges for therapeutic targeting.
  • Pharmacological inhibitors of TGF-β are under clinical investigation.
  • Biomarkers are crucial for identifying patients likely to respond to TGF-β inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting TGF-β in cancer necessitates a nuanced approach due to its context-dependent functions.
  • Careful patient selection and therapeutic dosing are essential for TGF-β-targeted therapies.
  • Further research into predictive biomarkers will enhance the clinical utility of TGF-β inhibitors.
Keywords:
TGF-βcancermicroenvironmenttherapy resistancetumor-initiating cells

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