This Research Topic is apart of the series "The Future of Checkpoint Immunotherapy: New Roads Ahead". Please see the series here.
"Checkpoint Immunotherapy: Reshaping the Landscape of Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment" is a comprehensive Research Topic that delves into the transformative impact of immunotherapy on the management of gastrointestinal malignancies.
Checkpoint immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, which include malignancies of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum. These cancers are notoriously challenging due to their complex biology and the historically limited efficacy of conventional treatments. Recent advancements in immunotherapy, particularly checkpoint inhibitors, have provided a new paradigm in cancer treatment, offering hope for improved patient outcomes. Despite these advancements, significant questions remain regarding the optimization of these therapies, including the identification of patients who will benefit most and the mechanisms underlying variable responses. Current studies have begun to elucidate the role of predictive biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability, which are crucial for tailoring treatment strategies. However, there is a pressing need for further research to fully understand the tumor-immune microenvironment interactions and to develop novel immunotherapeutic agents that can overcome resistance and enhance efficacy.
This Research Topic aims to explore the transformative impact of checkpoint immunotherapy on gastrointestinal cancer treatment. It seeks to address key questions such as the identification of predictive biomarkers, the mechanisms of tumor-immune interactions, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. By fostering collaboration between basic scientists, translational researchers, and clinicians, this collection aims to bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and clinical applications, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
To gather further insights in the translational aspects of checkpoint immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancers, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy response
- Mechanistic studies of tumor-immune microenvironment interactions
- Preclinical models evaluating novel immunotherapeutic agents
- Patient selection criteria for optimal immunotherapy outcomes
- Clinical efficacy and real-world evidence of checkpoint inhibitors
- Challenges and future directions in immunotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers
Keywords: Gastrointestinal cancer, Immunotherapy, Immune checkpoint inhibitors, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Colorectal cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Upper gastrointestinal 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.
