Ethnic differences in TGFβ-signaling pathway may contribute to prostate cancer health disparity.

Epidemiological studies show that the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (PCa) are significantly higher in African-American (AA) men when compared with Caucasian (CA) men in the United States. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway is linked to health disparities in AAs. Recent studies suggest a role of TGFβ3 in cancer metastases and its effect on the migratory and invasive behavior; however, its role in PCa in AA men has not been studied.