Chemoresistance and Immunotherapy in Solid Tumors

Chemoresistance in solid tumors, such as those found in the stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon, presents a substantial barrier to effective treatment. This resistance reduces the efficacy of standard chemotherapy and diminishes patient outcomes, necessitating deeper investigation into how these tumors evade current therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role played by the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in modulating chemoresistance. The complex interactions between tumor cells, immune cells, and stromal components create conditions within the tumor microenvironment that favor survival and growth, even in the presence of chemotherapy. Unraveling these interactions is pivotal for designing strategies to circumvent resistance and enhance treatment efficacy.

This Research Topic seeks to clarify the intricate relationship between chemoresistance and the immune microenvironment within solid tumors. The main objectives include identifying the mechanisms and pathways contributing to chemoresistance, discovering predictive biomarkers to inform personalized therapeutic regimens, and designing innovative treatment strategies. Specifically, the focus will be on uncovering how immune cells and their interactions with the tumor and surrounding stroma contribute to chemoresistance. Efforts will also target the discovery of biomarkers that predict treatment response and inform individualized treatment strategies. Ultimately, translating these insights into clinical practice aims to improve patient care through innovative therapies such as chemo-immunotherapy combinations and agents that precisely target the tumor microenvironment.

To broaden our understanding of TIME-driven chemoresistance, this Research Topic invites contributions from multiple scientific fields. It covers basic mechanistic studies, translational research, and clinical trials, emphasizing novel methodologies and therapeutic innovations. We welcome high-quality original research, reviews, and translational studies addressing themes such as:

• The role of immune-mediated mechanisms in chemoresistance, focusing on tumor-associated immune cells and cytokines
• Identification and utilization of chemoresistance and immune evasion biomarkers
• The influence of tumor stroma and extracellular matrix on resistance
• Development of immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies to combat resistance
• Exploration of novel drug delivery systems enhancing chemo-immunotherapy efficacy
• Advancement and use of preclinical models that replicate TIME-driven resistance
• Insights and analyses from clinical data and trials affecting chemoresistant cancers

This Research Topic seeks to support collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts, leading to improved strategies for managing chemoresistance in solid tumors.

We are interested in various article types, including original research, reviews, and translational studies.