Exploring the Tumor Microenvironment in Resectable Lung Cancer

Lung cancer treatment and outcomes are profoundly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly in resectable cases. This environment is a complex network comprising cancer cells, stromal elements, immune cells, and extracellular matrix components. These interactions are pivotal in driving tumor growth, immune evasion, and resistance to treatments. Recent studies highlight the importance of understanding the TME to enhance surgical results and optimize subsequent therapies. Especially in early-stage lung cancer, the TME's influence on disease progression and recurrence is a burgeoning area of study, proposing potential new therapeutic targets that could significantly impact patient prognosis.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the complex role of the TME in the management of resectable lung cancer. The goal is to dissect the mechanisms by which the TME influences tumor progression and treatment responses, uncovering new avenues for therapeutic improvement. Focus areas include the modulation of the immune environment, angiogenesis, and the effects of surgical interventions on the TME. The Topic seeks to integrate recent advancements in knowledge on how the TME evolves during resectable stages of lung cancer and its influence on neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between basic and clinical research to propel patient outcomes in early-stage lung cancer.

To further our understanding of the tumor microenvironment's impact in resectable lung cancer, we welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Immune dynamics and their implications for therapy within the TME.
- Changes in the TME after surgical resection and their roles in disease recurrence.
- The relationship between stromal elements and cancer progression.
- Identification and validation of biomarkers for predicting treatment responses and resistance.
- Integration of therapies targeting the TME with surgical and systemic treatments. Contributions may include Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles that blend experimental results with clinical insights to guide future therapeutic strategies.

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

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Tumor microenvironment; Resectable lung cancer; Immune modulation; Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therap; Biomarkers

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.