TGFB1 and cancer: Although, TGF-β1 exerts an inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth in vitro, it also stimulates the synthesis of the extracellular matrix and has been implicated in the regulation of cell differentiation, angiogenesis, immunosuppression and fibrosis (Massagué, 1996; Korc, 1998; Löhr et al, 2001).