Unlocking Tumor Evolution: Investigating Cancer Biology and Cell Death in the Context of Aging

In the realm of cancer biology, the intersection of aging and cancer presents unique challenges, characterized by tumor heterogeneity, progression, immune evasion, and drug resistance. Despite advancements in identifying oncogenic drivers and tumor suppressors, translating these insights into lasting therapeutic solutions remains elusive, particularly in older populations. Emerging technologies in cancer research offer transformative potential to navigate the intricate biological mechanisms and cell death pathways underlying cancer. These approaches demonstrate precision in manipulating gene expression and signaling pathways, showing promise in preclinical cancer studies. However, the transition to clinical application necessitates deeper investigation into risks, delivery challenges, and ethical questions, particularly for aging-related oncological concerns.

This Research Topic aims to fully explore and exploit the potential of innovative technologies to surmount pivotal obstacles in cancer treatment tied to the aging process. We seek to address fundamental questions around the molecular and cellular underpinnings of tumor evolution, immune interactions, mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, and strategies to extend the effectiveness and applicability of novel tools in an older demographic. By fostering translational research, we aim to bridge basic scientific discoveries with innovative, patient-tailored therapies, particularly critical for elderly cancer patients.

To gather further insights within the parameters of cancer biology, cell death, and therapeutic development, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Innovative applications for investigating and modulating cancer signaling pathways and resistance mechanisms.

Development of correction tools for cancer-related genetic aberrations.

Preclinical assessment and characterization of novel cell therapies for cancer treatment.

Evaluation of delivery systems, safety profiles, and potential side effects in oncological settings.

Ethical considerations and regulatory aspects of novel cancer therapies, especially within the context of an aging population.

Integration of cutting-edge computational tools to optimize oncological approaches.

Clinical and translational studies exploring the combination of novel therapies with conventional cancer treatment modalities.

We encourage submissions of original research, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives that contribute substantially to the development of innovative, targeted, and personalized cancer therapies.

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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... 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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Aging and Cancer, Tumor Heterogeneity, Therapeutic Resistance, Innovative Cancer Technologies, Translational Oncology

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.