Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
06:54

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

Published on: October 27, 2020

Clinical utilities of platelet-derived growth factor signaling in breast cancer

Jesse J Reardon1, Alexis A Mossing1, Rebecca L Packard1

  • 1The Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

Pharmacological Research
|August 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRs) drive breast cancer growth and metastasis. Targeting this PDGF-PDGFR signaling pathway shows promise for new breast cancer therapies and biomarkers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their receptors (PDGFRα/β) are crucial in breast cancer progression and metastasis.
  • PDGF-PDGFR signaling influences epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stem cells, desmoplasia, angiogenesis, and immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current evidence on PDGF and PDGFR expression, functions, and prognostic value in breast cancer.
  • To evaluate therapeutic strategies targeting the PDGF-PDGFR axis, particularly small molecule inhibitors.
  • To identify future research directions for targeting this pathway in breast cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on PDGF ligand and PDGFR expression patterns.
  • Analysis of oncogenic functions and prognostic significance of PDGF-PDGFR signaling.
  • Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data for therapeutic interventions targeting PDGF-PDGFR.

Main Results:

  • Distinct oncogenic roles for PDGFA, PDGFB, PD সার্বিক, and PDGFD in breast cancer, including brain metastasis and fibroblast activation.
  • High expression of PDGFA, PDGFB, PDGFC, and stromal PDGFRβ correlates with poor patient survival, indicating biomarker potential.
  • Targeting the PDGF-PDGFR axis with inhibitors shows preclinical promise but limited clinical success.

Conclusions:

  • PDGF-PDGFR signaling is a significant driver of breast cancer progression and metastasis.
  • Further research is needed to develop selective inhibitors and utilize PDGF-PDGFR components for patient stratification and combination immunotherapies.
Keywords:
Breast cancerPDGFPDGFRPrognosisSmall molecule inhibitionTherapeutics

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