About this Research Topic
Recent evidence underscores the pivotal role of communication between cancer and non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in driving malignant progression. The TME, characterized by distinct components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and diverse stromal cell populations such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), manifests considerable heterogeneity, contributing to resistance against chemotherapeutic agents. Identifying druggable targets within the TME and deciphering the associated molecular mechanisms underpinning intratumor heterogeneity, metastasis formation, and patient relapse stand as imperative steps toward enhancing clinical outcomes.
Botanical drugs, along with their isolated bioactive constituents and structural analogs, constitute a substantial portion of the current anticancer armamentarium. Our Research Topic (Volume I) sheds light on the innovative use of botanical drugs to modulate the tumor microenvironment and unlock their potential as effective anti-cancer agents through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Building upon these foundations, Volume II of this RT endeavors to offer fresh perspectives on the role of botanical drugs in shaping our understanding of the TME and their utility as innovative therapeutic modalities. These interventions aim to exert anticancer effects by selectively targeting key components of the TME, including CAFs, TAMs, angiogenesis, and inflammatory mediators while preserving the integrity of normal cells and tissues.
In addition to exploring the anti-cancer potential of botanical drugs, this Research Topic welcomes original research articles and review papers that delve into a broader spectrum of therapeutic strategies aimed at TME modulation. These may encompass:
• Combination treatments, such as integrating immunotherapy and targeted therapies with botanical drugs, aimed at disrupting tumor-stroma interactions
• Utilization of botanical drugs as strategic approaches to modulate the TME
• Development of strategies to counter TME-induced drug resistance
Furthermore, we encourage authors to place a heightened focus on the safety and efficacy of botanical drugs and derived bioactive compounds within the context of TME modulation. Comprehensive characterization of study materials, including details on composition, stability, purity, and chromatographic profiles, will be essential to ensure reproducibility and comparability of results. Integration of multi-omics and systems biology approaches is also encouraged to elucidate the intricate mechanisms of action underlying botanical interventions within the TME. Submissions that integrate genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics data will provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between botanical compounds and tumor-stroma interactions.
In fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we invite researchers from diverse disciplines, including oncology, pharmacology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and computational biology, to contribute their expertise towards addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the TME. By leveraging interdisciplinary synergies, we aim to accelerate the development of innovative TME-targeting therapies with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms.
For manuscripts dealing with plant extracts or other natural substances/compounds, the composition and the stability of the study material must be described in sufficient detail. In particular, for extracts, chromatograms with characterization of the dominating compound(s) are requested. The level of purity must be proven and included.
Botanical drugs, along with their isolated bioactive constituents and structural analogs, constitute a substantial portion of the current anticancer armamentarium. Our Research Topic (Volume I) sheds light on the innovative use of botanical drugs to modulate the tumor microenvironment and unlock their potential as effective anti-cancer agents through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Building upon these foundations, Volume II of this RT endeavors to offer fresh perspectives on the role of botanical drugs in shaping our understanding of the TME and their utility as innovative therapeutic modalities. These interventions aim to exert anticancer effects by selectively targeting key components of the TME, including CAFs, TAMs, angiogenesis, and inflammatory mediators while preserving the integrity of normal cells and tissues.
In addition to exploring the anti-cancer potential of botanical drugs, this Research Topic welcomes original research articles and review papers that delve into a broader spectrum of therapeutic strategies aimed at TME modulation. These may encompass:
• Combination treatments, such as integrating immunotherapy and targeted therapies with botanical drugs, aimed at disrupting tumor-stroma interactions
• Utilization of botanical drugs as strategic approaches to modulate the TME
• Development of strategies to counter TME-induced drug resistance
Furthermore, we encourage authors to place a heightened focus on the safety and efficacy of botanical drugs and derived bioactive compounds within the context of TME modulation. Comprehensive characterization of study materials, including details on composition, stability, purity, and chromatographic profiles, will be essential to ensure reproducibility and comparability of results. Integration of multi-omics and systems biology approaches is also encouraged to elucidate the intricate mechanisms of action underlying botanical interventions within the TME. Submissions that integrate genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics data will provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between botanical compounds and tumor-stroma interactions.
In fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we invite researchers from diverse disciplines, including oncology, pharmacology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and computational biology, to contribute their expertise towards addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by the TME. By leveraging interdisciplinary synergies, we aim to accelerate the development of innovative TME-targeting therapies with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms.
For manuscripts dealing with plant extracts or other natural substances/compounds, the composition and the stability of the study material must be described in sufficient detail. In particular, for extracts, chromatograms with characterization of the dominating compound(s) are requested. The level of purity must be proven and included.
Keywords: Tumor microenvironment, Cancer treatment, Botanical drugs, Single compounds, Targeted therapy
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.
