About this Research Topic
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the dysregulated growth and survival of malignant cells. The unique microenvironment surrounding these cancer cells establishes a reciprocal relationship that facilitates tumor progression and resistance to conventional therapies. Understanding the molecular pathways dysregulated in cancer cells and the signaling molecules from the surrounding non-malignant cells that trigger these pathways is crucial for developing targeted and effective cancer therapies.
Studying molecular pathways and signaling molecules in cancer is paramount due to the complexity and adaptability of cancer cells. Traditional therapies often fall short due to resistance mechanisms and the dynamic interactions within the tumor microenvironment. By elucidating these pathways and signals, researchers can design more precise and personalized treatment strategies, potentially leading to higher efficacy and fewer side effects.
This collection aims to bring together research and reviews that delve into the molecular intricacies of cancer biology. By exploring the latest discoveries in molecular pathways and signaling molecules, this collection seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving cancer progression and to identify novel therapeutic targets.
This Research Topic welcomes contributions in the form of Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Clinical Trials, and Case Reports that focus on, but are not limited to:
1. Signal Transduction Pathways: Investigation of key molecules and pathways such as such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, and the p53 tumor suppressor network, and their roles in cancer development and therapy.
2. Targeted Therapies: Exploration of therapies designed to specifically target dysregulated molecular pathways and signaling molecules in cancer cells.
3. Tumor-Immune Interactions and Immunotherapy: Tumor immune microenvironment, cancer progression and therapy. Roles of small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapy to disrupt aberrant signals and minimize damage to normal cells.
4. Tumor-Stroma Interactions: Examination of the interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells, including the extracellular matrix components, and their influence on tumor growth and metastasis.
5. Drug Resistance Mechanisms: Understanding the molecular basis of resistance to conventional and targeted therapies and strategies to overcome it
6. Precision medicine and Biomarkers for Therapy: Precision medicine, guided by genetic and molecular profiling allows for personalized treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects. Identification and validation of molecular biomarkers that can predict response to therapy and guide treatment decisions.
Studying molecular pathways and signaling molecules in cancer is paramount due to the complexity and adaptability of cancer cells. Traditional therapies often fall short due to resistance mechanisms and the dynamic interactions within the tumor microenvironment. By elucidating these pathways and signals, researchers can design more precise and personalized treatment strategies, potentially leading to higher efficacy and fewer side effects.
This collection aims to bring together research and reviews that delve into the molecular intricacies of cancer biology. By exploring the latest discoveries in molecular pathways and signaling molecules, this collection seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving cancer progression and to identify novel therapeutic targets.
This Research Topic welcomes contributions in the form of Original Research, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Clinical Trials, and Case Reports that focus on, but are not limited to:
1. Signal Transduction Pathways: Investigation of key molecules and pathways such as such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, and the p53 tumor suppressor network, and their roles in cancer development and therapy.
2. Targeted Therapies: Exploration of therapies designed to specifically target dysregulated molecular pathways and signaling molecules in cancer cells.
3. Tumor-Immune Interactions and Immunotherapy: Tumor immune microenvironment, cancer progression and therapy. Roles of small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapy to disrupt aberrant signals and minimize damage to normal cells.
4. Tumor-Stroma Interactions: Examination of the interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells, including the extracellular matrix components, and their influence on tumor growth and metastasis.
5. Drug Resistance Mechanisms: Understanding the molecular basis of resistance to conventional and targeted therapies and strategies to overcome it
6. Precision medicine and Biomarkers for Therapy: Precision medicine, guided by genetic and molecular profiling allows for personalized treatment strategies that improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects. Identification and validation of molecular biomarkers that can predict response to therapy and guide treatment decisions.
Keywords: Immune evasion, regulatory T cells, Tumor-associated macrophages, Oncology immunotherapy, Tumor-immune crosstalk, molecular pathways, drug resistance
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.
