Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) represent a critical focus within cancer research, particularly in the context of digestive system tumors. These cells are distinguished by their enhanced stemness and tumorigenic capabilities, which contribute significantly to drug resistance and tumor relapse, leading to poor patient outcomes. TICs are known for their ability to evade anti-tumor immune responses by expressing immunosuppressive molecules and creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This evasion not only allows them to escape immune cell cytotoxicity but also reduces the local anti-tumor immune pressure. Despite the extensive research on TICs, their role in cancer immunotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge. Recent studies have highlighted the association of TICs with drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis in digestive system tumors, suggesting a close relationship with immunotherapy resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying these processes are not fully understood, necessitating further investigation to develop targeted immunotherapeutic strategies.
This research topic aims to delve into the complex role of TICs in the progression of digestive system tumors, with a particular focus on their contribution to immune evasion. The primary objective is to explore the latest advancements in understanding how TICs influence tumor heterogeneity and immune response, and to identify strategies that can effectively target these cells to enhance cancer immunotherapy. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to uncover novel insights that could lead to improved therapeutic interventions and better patient outcomes.
To gather further insights in the role of TICs in digestive system tumors, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanisms through which TICs contribute to immune evasion and tumor heterogeneity.
- Strategies to target TICs for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
- The interplay between TICs, tumor microenvironment, and immune response.
- Novel methodologies for identifying and characterizing TICs in various cancer types.
- Clinical implications of TICs in cancer prognosis, therapy resistance, and relapse.
Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases, without accompanying validation, are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted.
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) represent a critical focus within cancer research, particularly in the context of digestive system tumors. These cells are distinguished by their enhanced stemness and tumorigenic capabilities, which contribute significantly to drug resistance and tumor relapse, leading to poor patient outcomes. TICs are known for their ability to evade anti-tumor immune responses by expressing immunosuppressive molecules and creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This evasion not only allows them to escape immune cell cytotoxicity but also reduces the local anti-tumor immune pressure. Despite the extensive research on TICs, their role in cancer immunotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge. Recent studies have highlighted the association of TICs with drug resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis in digestive system tumors, suggesting a close relationship with immunotherapy resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying these processes are not fully understood, necessitating further investigation to develop targeted immunotherapeutic strategies.
This research topic aims to delve into the complex role of TICs in the progression of digestive system tumors, with a particular focus on their contribution to immune evasion. The primary objective is to explore the latest advancements in understanding how TICs influence tumor heterogeneity and immune response, and to identify strategies that can effectively target these cells to enhance cancer immunotherapy. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to uncover novel insights that could lead to improved therapeutic interventions and better patient outcomes.
To gather further insights in the role of TICs in digestive system tumors, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Mechanisms through which TICs contribute to immune evasion and tumor heterogeneity.
- Strategies to target TICs for enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
- The interplay between TICs, tumor microenvironment, and immune response.
- Novel methodologies for identifying and characterizing TICs in various cancer types.
- Clinical implications of TICs in cancer prognosis, therapy resistance, and relapse.
Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases, without accompanying validation, are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted.