TGF-β inhibitors for the treatment of cancer

Abstract

Advances in understanding the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in tumorigenesis have led to the development of TGF-β inhibitors for cancer treatment. Three platforms of TGF-β inhibitors have evolved: antisense oligonucleotides, monoclonal antibodies and small molecules. In this review, the current stage of development of each known TGF-β inhibitor will be discussed. As part of the risk/benefit assessment of TGF-β inhibitors, the known effects of TGF-β deficiency in mice, non-clinical toxicology studies with TGF-β inhibitors in rats, and the clinical studies with monoclonal antibodies against TGF-β will be summarised.

Keywords::

• antisense oligonucleotide
• cancer
• clinical studies
• knockout mice
• monoclonal antibodies
• TGF-β
• TGF-βRI kinase inhibitors