Antibody Targeting of TGF-β in Cancer Patients

Abstract

The role of TGF-β in tumor development and progression is complex. Genetic mutations that disrupt the antiproliferative signaling effects of TGF-β play a key role in the process of malignant transformation for many types of tumors. Paradoxically, this loss of sensitivity to TGF-β's inhibitory actions often leads to TGF-β overexpression by the tumor cells or by normal cells that are recruited to the tumor microenvironment. Elevated concentrations of TGF-β in the tumor microenvironment have been shown to facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Numerous published studies have provided evidence that inhibition of TGF-β using antibodies, soluble receptors and small molecule inhibitors of TGF-β signal transduction can have beneficial effects in murine models of cancer. Given the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β and its homeostatic role in numerous biological processes, serious concerns have been expressed regarding the safety of administering TGF-β antagonists to human patients. Interestingly, the results of numerous animal toxicology studies of TGF-β antibodies in normal rodents and primates have shown that administration of neutralizing anti-TGF-β antibodies is well tolerated and any adverse effects were reversible or self-limiting. Likewise, administration of a human anti-TGF-β antibody (fresolimumab) in three separate human phase 1 clinical trials has also been shown to be well tolerated.