Exploring Microbial Interactions in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Microenvironment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PC) is a formidable malignancy characterized by a complex microenvironment that includes a diverse array of cell populations and microorganisms. Recent research has illuminated the potential involvement of microbiota in various stages of PC progression, from creating a conducive environment for carcinogenesis to influencing metastasis. Microbial populations, both within and outside the tumor, have been shown to impact the efficacy and outcomes of therapeutic protocols. Despite these insights, there remains a significant gap in understanding the molecular pathways that facilitate the interaction between PC and microorganisms. This gap underscores the need for further exploration into the tumoral microbiota, which holds promise for enhancing current therapeutic strategies. The majority of pancreatic cancer patients present with advanced disease, often necessitating biliary drainage to alleviate obstructions. The choice of drainage method, such as ERCP or PTCD, can significantly alter the microbiota composition, with implications for tumor progression and therapy resistance.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the intricate role of microbiota in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, with the objective of uncovering the molecular interactions and potential therapeutic applications. Key questions include understanding the composition and origin of the tumoral microbiota, the nature of microbial interactions with tumor-associated cells, and the impact of different bile drainage methods on microbiota dynamics. Additionally, the research seeks to explore how current therapeutic protocols influence the PC microbiota and the potential of microorganisms and their derivatives in future treatment strategies.

To gather further insights into the role and potential applications of microbiota in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Composition and origin of the tumoral microbiota (native and non-native colonies)
- Cross-talk between microbes and different cell populations in the tumor microenvironment
- Analysis of various bile drainage methods and their influence on microbiota
- Mutual influence between current therapy protocols and the PC microbiota
- Potential implications of microorganisms and their derived compounds in future therapeutic strategies (e.g., probiotics, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation)

Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.

Keywords: microbiota, tumor microenvironment, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, personalized management, pancreatic cancer

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.