Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide, is on the rise. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis significantly increase the risk of CRC, emphasizing the inflammatory link. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in the colon comprises various immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which play different roles in tumor progression. Identifying specific inflammatory pathways and immune cell subsets that either promote or suppress tumor growth is critical for targeted therapies. Ovarian cancer (OC), the deadliest gynaecological cancer, is often diagnosed in late stages, with only about 25% of patients diagnosed in the early stages. Ovarian tumors also present a complex inflammatory microenvironment with diverse immune cell populations. Although ovaries do not have direct exposure to gut bacteria, chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases and endometriosis are linked to increased OC risk. Deciphering the role of specific inflammatory mediators and immune checkpoints in OC progression is essential for immunotherapy development. The inflammatory response in these cancers is multifaceted and context-dependent, making it a challenging target for therapy. Distinguishing between "pro-tumor" and "anti-tumor" inflammation is crucial for designing effective interventions. Understanding the intricate immune mechanisms that govern the interplay between inflammation and these cancers is crucial for developing personalized therapeutic approaches.
This research topic aims to provide a forum to update and discuss the new discoveries in the field of inflammatory response in progression of colon and ovarian cancers with particular focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the immuno-pathogenesis.
Recent advances offer promising tools to tackle this challenge:
• Single-cell sequencing technologies: Unveiling the heterogeneity of immune cell populations within tumors at the individual cell level.
• Spatial transcriptomics: Mapping the precise location and activity of inflammatory mediators within the TME.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Analyzing large datasets to identify novel therapeutic targets and predict patient response to therapy.
• Development of novel immunotherapies: Exploiting immune checkpoints, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) reprogramming strategies, and adoptive cell therapies to harness the anti-tumor potential of the immune system.
By leveraging these tools and focusing on the following, we can achieve significant progress:
• Identify targetable pathways and markers: Pinpointing specific inflammatory mediators and immune cell subsets that drive tumor progression in each cancer type.
• Develop personalized therapeutic strategies: Tailor treatments based on individual tumor profiles and patient immune responses.
• Predict and monitor treatment response: Utilize advanced technologies to identify patients who will benefit most from specific therapies and track their progress.
Ultimately, deciphering the inflammatory response in colorectal and ovarian cancers holds immense potential for improving patient outcomes. By unraveling the immune complexities of these cancers, we can move towards more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
This Research Topic aims to explore the complex link between inflammation and tumor progression in colorectal and ovarian malignancies, with the aim of developing customized treatments based on fundamental principles. This research topic accepts Original Research, Systematic Review, Methods, Review and Mini-Review, Policy and Practice Reviews, Meta-analysis, Hypothesis & Theory, Clinical Trial, Classification, Study Protocol, Perspective, Case Report, Conceptual Analysis, Brief Research Report, Data Report, General Commentary, and Opinion. We welcome manuscripts focusing on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Unveiling the heterogeneity of inflammation: differentiating pro- and anti-tumor inflammatory markers in colorectal and ovarian cancers.
• Understanding molecular and cellular orchestration: identifying cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that promote tumor growth and immune suppression.
• Identifying and validating druggable targets in pro-tumor inflammation pathways for novel drug development.
• Integrating genetic and molecular data with inflammatory response for individualized risk assessment and treatment selection. Analysis of large datasets using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to find new therapeutic targets and patient subgroups.
• The focus will also be on future directions and emerging technology for understanding the inflammatory response in colorectal and ovarian malignancies.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, inflammatory response, inflammatory mediators, immunotherapy
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.
Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide, is on the rise. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis significantly increase the risk of CRC, emphasizing the inflammatory link. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in the colon comprises various immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which play different roles in tumor progression. Identifying specific inflammatory pathways and immune cell subsets that either promote or suppress tumor growth is critical for targeted therapies. Ovarian cancer (OC), the deadliest gynaecological cancer, is often diagnosed in late stages, with only about 25% of patients diagnosed in the early stages. Ovarian tumors also present a complex inflammatory microenvironment with diverse immune cell populations. Although ovaries do not have direct exposure to gut bacteria, chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases and endometriosis are linked to increased OC risk. Deciphering the role of specific inflammatory mediators and immune checkpoints in OC progression is essential for immunotherapy development. The inflammatory response in these cancers is multifaceted and context-dependent, making it a challenging target for therapy. Distinguishing between "pro-tumor" and "anti-tumor" inflammation is crucial for designing effective interventions. Understanding the intricate immune mechanisms that govern the interplay between inflammation and these cancers is crucial for developing personalized therapeutic approaches.
This research topic aims to provide a forum to update and discuss the new discoveries in the field of inflammatory response in progression of colon and ovarian cancers with particular focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the immuno-pathogenesis.
Recent advances offer promising tools to tackle this challenge:
• Single-cell sequencing technologies: Unveiling the heterogeneity of immune cell populations within tumors at the individual cell level.
• Spatial transcriptomics: Mapping the precise location and activity of inflammatory mediators within the TME.
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Analyzing large datasets to identify novel therapeutic targets and predict patient response to therapy.
• Development of novel immunotherapies: Exploiting immune checkpoints, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) reprogramming strategies, and adoptive cell therapies to harness the anti-tumor potential of the immune system.
By leveraging these tools and focusing on the following, we can achieve significant progress:
• Identify targetable pathways and markers: Pinpointing specific inflammatory mediators and immune cell subsets that drive tumor progression in each cancer type.
• Develop personalized therapeutic strategies: Tailor treatments based on individual tumor profiles and patient immune responses.
• Predict and monitor treatment response: Utilize advanced technologies to identify patients who will benefit most from specific therapies and track their progress.
Ultimately, deciphering the inflammatory response in colorectal and ovarian cancers holds immense potential for improving patient outcomes. By unraveling the immune complexities of these cancers, we can move towards more effective and personalized cancer treatments.
This Research Topic aims to explore the complex link between inflammation and tumor progression in colorectal and ovarian malignancies, with the aim of developing customized treatments based on fundamental principles. This research topic accepts Original Research, Systematic Review, Methods, Review and Mini-Review, Policy and Practice Reviews, Meta-analysis, Hypothesis & Theory, Clinical Trial, Classification, Study Protocol, Perspective, Case Report, Conceptual Analysis, Brief Research Report, Data Report, General Commentary, and Opinion. We welcome manuscripts focusing on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Unveiling the heterogeneity of inflammation: differentiating pro- and anti-tumor inflammatory markers in colorectal and ovarian cancers.
• Understanding molecular and cellular orchestration: identifying cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that promote tumor growth and immune suppression.
• Identifying and validating druggable targets in pro-tumor inflammation pathways for novel drug development.
• Integrating genetic and molecular data with inflammatory response for individualized risk assessment and treatment selection. Analysis of large datasets using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to find new therapeutic targets and patient subgroups.
• The focus will also be on future directions and emerging technology for understanding the inflammatory response in colorectal and ovarian malignancies.
Keywords:
Colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, inflammatory response, inflammatory mediators, immunotherapy
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.