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Updated: Nov 22, 2025

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

Published on: October 27, 2020

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Recent Advances in the Development of TGF-β Signaling Inhibitors for Anticancer Therapy

Ho-Jae Lee1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.

Journal of Cancer Prevention
|January 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has a dual role in cancer. This review highlights TGF-β signaling in tumor progression and immune evasion, exploring therapeutic inhibition strategies for cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a key cytokine involved in physiological and pathological processes, including cancer.
  • TGF-β exhibits a dual role in tumorigenesis, acting as either a tumor suppressor or promoter based on cancer stage.
  • Aberrant TGF-β upregulation is linked to tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of TGF-β signaling in promoting tumor progression and immune evasion within the tumor microenvironment.
  • To present recent advancements in TGF-β signaling inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on TGF-β signaling pathways in cancer.
  • Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on TGF-β inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Hyperactivated TGF-β signaling is a significant driver of tumor progression and immune evasion.
  • Inhibitors targeting TGF-β signaling show promise as single or combination therapies.
  • Several TGF-β inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting hyperactivated TGF-β signaling represents a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer.
  • Further research into TGF-β inhibition strategies is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
Keywords:
Antineoplastic agentsImmune checkpoint inhibitorsTGF-bTumor escapeTumor microenvironment

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