Inhibition of TGFβ signaling in cancer therapy

Recent evidence continues to support a central role for TGF beta in tumor maintenance and progression. Although this may involve TGF beta-mediated paracrine effects that modulate the tumor microenvironment and the host immune system, some studies causally implicate autocrine TGF beta in cancer cell motility and survival. Other recent evidence indicates synergy between oncogene and TGF beta signaling in epithelial cell transformation. This suggests opportunities for dissecting molecular mechanisms of cross-talk as well as providing insights into possible combinatorial molecular anticancer therapies that will include TGF beta inhibitors.