Advances in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers, are among the most prevalent and deadly worldwide. Despite advances in treatment, these cancers often remain aggressive and difficult to treat, leading to poor patient outcomes. A critical factor in understanding and combating GI cancers is the tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex network of cancer cells, stromal cells, immune cells, and signaling molecules. The TME not only supports tumor growth but also contributes to metastasis and resistance to therapies. Investigating the cellular interactions and signaling pathways within this microenvironment provides crucial insights into tumor biology and potential therapeutic approaches.

This Research Topic focuses on the intricate relationships and mechanisms at play within the TME of GI cancers. By bringing together cutting-edge research, we aim to deepen our understanding of how cellular cross-talk within the TME influences tumor development and progression. Additionally, the collection will explore the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in maintaining tumor heterogeneity and resistance, as well as the key signaling pathways that drive these processes. By identifying novel targets and potential biomarkers, this collection seeks to contribute to the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies for GI cancer patients.

Areas to be covered might include but are not limited to:

1. Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics: Exploration of the cellular and non-cellular components that constitute the TME in GI cancers and their impact on tumor behavior.

2. Cellular Cross-Talk Mechanisms: Investigation into the communication pathways between cancer cells and stromal cells, including immune cells and fibroblasts, that influence tumor progression and therapy resistance.

3. Role of Cancer Stem Cells in GI Cancers: Examination of the properties and functions of CSCs, their contribution to tumor heterogeneity, and their potential as drug-resistant reservoirs.

4. Signaling Pathways in Gastrointestinal Tumorigenesis: Analysis of key signaling networks involved in GI cancer initiation and progression, with a focus on therapeutic targets to disrupt these pathways.

5. Therapeutic Implications and Biomarker Development: Identification and validation of novel biomarkers from the TME and CSCs, and evaluation of targeted therapies to improve clinical outcomes in GI cancer patients.

We accept different article types including Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives.

Please note: studies consisting solely of bioinformatic investigation of publicly available genomic/transcriptomic/proteomic data do not fall within the scope of the section unless they are expanded and provide significant biological or mechanistic insight into the process being studied.

Keywords: gastrointestinal cancer, tumor microenvironment, oncology, cancer stem cells, tumorigenesis

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.