TGFβ and Cancer Metastasis: An Inflammation Link

The 2010 document examines the complex role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) in cancer, particularly its involvement in cancer metastasis through the regulation of inflammation and the tumor microenvironment. It was observed that the deletion of TGFβ receptors in epithelial cells of tissues like the mammary gland, pancreas, and intestines leads to increased tumor progression and metastasis, which is associated with inflammation and reduced survival in breast cancer patients. TGFβ's signaling in stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, is also crucial for tumor development. While TGFβ can suppress inflammation, aberrations in its signaling can enhance tumor growth and spread. The study indicates that TGFβ controls chemokine production, which recruits inflammatory cells to tumor sites, and discusses the interplay with other tumor suppressors like p53 and Pten. The conclusion suggests that a deeper understanding of TGFβ's role in the interaction between tumor cells and the immune system could lead to new TGFβ-targeted cancer treatments, with the potential use of inflammatory cell profiles as biomarkers for selecting patients in clinical trials.