The function of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is complex and therapeutic targeting of this pathway is challenging. We showed that antibody-mediated inhibition of stromal Tgfβr2 prevented or reversed epithelial plasticity resulting in a potent reduction of metastasis in xenograft models of PDA.
Keywords: TGF-β; epithelial to mesenchymal transition; metastasis; pancreatic cancer; tumor–stroma interactions.