The background of this research is rooted in the complexity of immune interactions within the tumour microenvironment and the heterogeneity of tumour cells. Biomarkers play an important role in this context, as they are biological molecules or characteristics that can indicate the presence and severity of diseases and predict therapeutic responses. Identifying reliable biomarkers for immunotherapy in gastrointestinal (GI) tumors is essential for selecting the patients most likely to respond to treatment, thereby improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary side effects.

Basic exploration in this field involves understanding the mechanisms by which immune cells recognize and attack tumor cells, as well as the factors that contribute to immune resistance. This includes the study of checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 and CTLA-4, along with their ligands, which are critical for modulating immune responses. Furthermore, research into the genetic and molecular characteristics of GI tumours aims to uncover novel biomarkers that could guide decisions in immunotherapy.

The clinical application of these findings focuses on translating basic research into practical tools for patient treatment. This involves developing diagnostic tests that can measure biomarker expression in patients' tumors, as well as conducting clinical trials to validate the predictive value of these biomarkers. The ultimate goal is to create personalized treatment plans that optimize the use of immunotherapy for each individual patient, maximizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity.

In summary, the research on biomarkers for immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors is a vital area of study that combines basic exploration with clinical application, aiming to enhance the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatment.

This Research Topic aims to address the critical need for identifying and validating reliable biomarkers that can predict the response to immunotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal tumours, seeking to explore the biological underpinnings of these biomarkers by integrating basic research with translational studies, with the goal of stratifying patients into those likely to benefit from immunotherapy and those who may not. By focusing on the interplay between tumor immunology, genetics, and the microenvironment, this topic aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the clinical application of biomarkers. This research endeavour is poised to answer questions such as which biomarkers are most indicative of treatment response, how they can be effectively measured, and how they can be integrated into routine clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and personalize treatment strategies in the realm of gastrointestinal oncology.

The scope of this special issue encompasses a broad range of activities from the discovery and functional characterization of novel biomarkers to the evaluation of their clinical utility in the context of GI tumors. Specifically, it covers:
• Discovery and Characterization: Investigating new biomarkers and elucidating their biological roles within tumor immunology and the tumor microenvironment.
• Existing Biomarkers: Analyzing the predictive capacity of established biomarkers in immunotherapy outcomes.
• Molecular Mechanisms: Unraveling the molecular pathways through which biomarkers influence immune responses and modulate tumor behavior.
• Clinical Validation: Conducting clinical trials to assess the practical value of these biomarkers in guiding immunotherapy decisions.
• Emerging Technologies: Exploring future directions, including technological advancements that enhance biomarker research and implementation in clinical settings.

We are interested in original research articles, review articles, case reports, and clinical trials. Submissions should provide insights into the basic scientific exploration or clinical application of biomarkers for gastrointestinal tumor immunotherapy.

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Frontiers in Medicine

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