TGFB1 and cancer: It can be initiated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) released from activated platelets, contributing to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells via TGFβ/Smad and NF-κB signaling pathway.[30] Thereafter, platelets are able to protect tumor cells from being damaged by forming cancer embolus when tumor cells are flowing through the blood circulation.