Thyroid hormones (THs) are involved in the control of a variety of physiological processes such as normal cell growth, embryonic development, cell differentiation, and metabolism. However, in the last decades, scientific research has supported a relationship between these hormones and the pathophysiology of different cancer types. THs can affect tumor behavior by direct actions on cancer cells through genomic and non-genomic pathways that regulate malignant proliferation, apoptosis, invasiveness, and angiogenesis. On the other hand, increasing evidence suggests that THs are modulators of the immune responses thus influencing tumor progression. Furthermore, the dysregulation of the thyroid status was also shown to affect the development, progression, and outcomes in cancer patients.

The overall aim of this special issue is to build a better understanding of the contribution and significance of THs impact on cancer cells and on the associated antitumor immune response. The issue will focus on studies showing the influence of thyroid hormones on genetic, molecular, or cellular mechanisms that are involved in tumorigenesis, cancer metabolism, tumor proliferation/survival, and cancer progression. The effects of THs on the composition of the tumor microenvironment and the antitumor immune responses will also be discussed. The knowledge of the mechanisms of thyroid hormone actions in cancer could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets or to the use of the modulation of the thyroid status to improve treatment outcomes in patients.

The scope of this special issue will include research on THs actions on:

(i) cancer cells themselves,

(ii) tumor microenvironment,

(iii) antitumor immune response.

Studies may include preclinical research on the effects of THs in different cancer models, both in vitro and in vivo. We also encourage clinical studies examining various aspects of the association of patients' thyroid status and cancer, including cancer risk, behavior, and outcome.

Authors are invited to submit original research, review, or mini-review articles that cover recent and current knowledge on the thyroid hormone effects in different types of cancer. Reviews or mini-reviews should focus on a specific cancer model including breast, renal, prostate, lung, gynecological, thyroid, gastrointestinal, skin, central nervous, or hematological cancers.

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