Targeting TGF-β: a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is crucial for cellular processes like growth, differentiation, and migration.
• TGF-β signaling involves transcellular membranes and kinases, influencing cancer progression.
• TGF-β exhibits a dual role in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter depending on the cancer stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse roles of TGF-β in various cancers.
• To explore the mechanisms and therapeutic potential of TGF-β inhibitors.
• To discuss the application of TGF-β inhibitors in combination therapies and overcoming drug resistance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on TGF-β inhibitors and their mechanisms.
• Analysis of TGF-β's role in skin, breast, colorectal, lung, and ovarian cancers.
• Examination of clinical trials and therapeutic opportunities for TGF-β inhibitors.

Main Results:

• TGF-β inhibitors, including ligand traps, monoclonal antibodies, and receptor kinase inhibitors, are effective against multiple cancer types.
• TGF-β inhibitors can induce apoptosis via SMAD and non-SMAD pathways.
• TGF-β inhibitors are being investigated in combination therapies and show potential in overcoming chemo- and radioresistance.

Conclusions:

• TGF-β inhibitors represent a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
• Further development of TGF-β inhibitors is crucial for addressing drug resistance and improving patient outcomes.
• Understanding TGF-β's complex role is key to developing effective anticancer agents.