GDF15 and cancer: In this context, a divergent member of the TGF-beta superfamily, i.e., growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15)—also known as MΦ inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), NSAID-activated gene-1, placental bone morphogenetic protein (PLAB) [11,12]—is overexpressed by a majority of cancers [13].