About this Research Topic
Macrophages are a pivotal component of the immune system, known for their versatility and essential roles in development, tissue repair, and immune responses. In the context of cancer, macrophages exhibit dual roles: they can contribute to antitumor immunity or, conversely, promote tumor progression and metastasis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the primary tumor microenvironment are known to facilitate tumor malignancy, while metastasis-associated macrophages (MAMs) aid in tumor cell survival and dissemination to distant organs. Despite the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for various cancer types, refractory cancers remain a significant challenge, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have underscored the importance of targeting macrophages and their associated molecules as potential anticancer and antimetastatic therapies. However, a comprehensive understanding of macrophage biology in cancer initiation and metastasis is still lacking, necessitating further investigation into their roles and therapeutic potential.
This research topic aims to elucidate the roles of macrophages in tumor initiation and metastasis, with a focus on exploring their potential as therapeutic targets. By investigating the complex interactions between macrophages and cancer cells, this research seeks to address the unmet needs in refractory cancers and develop innovative strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. Key questions include how macrophages contribute to cancer progression and how their biology can be modulated to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.
To gather further insights into the multifaceted roles of macrophages in cancer, we welcome original research and review articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in cancer initiation and progression.
- Mechanisms by which metastasis-associated macrophages (MAMs) facilitate tumor cell survival and dissemination.
- Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics for studying macrophage heterogeneity in tumors.
- The development and application of genetic mouse models for targeted ablation of macrophage subtypes.
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages in cancer treatment.
- In vivo and intravital imaging techniques to visualize macrophage-cancer cell interactions.
- The impact of macrophage plasticity on cancer therapy resistance and potential interventions
This research topic aims to elucidate the roles of macrophages in tumor initiation and metastasis, with a focus on exploring their potential as therapeutic targets. By investigating the complex interactions between macrophages and cancer cells, this research seeks to address the unmet needs in refractory cancers and develop innovative strategies for cancer prevention and treatment. Key questions include how macrophages contribute to cancer progression and how their biology can be modulated to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.
To gather further insights into the multifaceted roles of macrophages in cancer, we welcome original research and review articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in cancer initiation and progression.
- Mechanisms by which metastasis-associated macrophages (MAMs) facilitate tumor cell survival and dissemination.
- Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics for studying macrophage heterogeneity in tumors.
- The development and application of genetic mouse models for targeted ablation of macrophage subtypes.
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages in cancer treatment.
- In vivo and intravital imaging techniques to visualize macrophage-cancer cell interactions.
- The impact of macrophage plasticity on cancer therapy resistance and potential interventions
Keywords: Macrophage, tumor initiation, cancer metastasis, cancer prevention, refractory cancer
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
