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Targeting TGF-β: a promising strategy for cancer therapy

Himani1, Charanjit Kaur1, Rajesh Kumar1

  • 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India.

Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|March 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has a dual role in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter. TGF-β inhibitors show promise as novel anticancer agents, particularly in combination therapies.

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.
Keywords:
Anti-breast cancerAnticancerColorectal cancerSkin cancerTGF-β inhibitors

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