Advances and Challenges in Cancer Immunotherapy

Over the past fifty years, median cancer survival rates have markedly improved, largely due to advances in therapies targeting the immune system. Among these transformative approaches, cancer immunotherapy stands out for enabling more personalized, less toxic treatments and conferring long-term protective benefits, even enabling the development of cancer vaccines. Despite such progress, significant challenges persist. Certain cancer types remain resistant to current immunotherapeutic interventions, and much remains to be learned about mechanisms of response, resistance, and effective translation into clinical practice.

This Research Topic invites contributions that span the full spectrum of cancer immunology, from basic science to post-marketing outcomes. We encourage original research articles, reviews, systematic reviews, and perspectives that delve into innovative advances and persistent barriers in cancer immunotherapy. Authors are especially encouraged to submit work reporting negative, inconclusive, or unexpected results, as sharing such findings can prevent redundant research and accelerate progress.

The main challenge in cancer immunotherapy is the variable and sometimes limited effectiveness against certain cancer types, as well as the continual emergence of resistance and toxicities. Addressing these gaps requires a comprehensive investigation of underlying immune mechanisms, innovative therapeutic strategies, and real-world clinical experiences, including those that do not yield positive outcomes. By spotlighting both successes and setbacks, this Research Topic aims to foster a nuanced understanding of the immunological landscape of cancer and to promote the identification of new targets, biomarkers, and combination strategies. Our goal is to catalyse interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate the translation of research findings into meaningful clinical applications that improve patient outcomes across diverse cancer types.

Cancer immunotherapy has rapidly evolved from a conceptual approach to a central pillar of oncology treatment. Therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and cancer vaccines have revolutionized outcomes for certain malignancies. Moreover, combination therapies leveraging immune modulation alongside chemotherapy, targeted agents, or novel technologies are demonstrating promise in overcoming resistance and enhancing efficacy. Yet, for a subset of cancers, durable responses remain elusive, and immune-related adverse events pose ongoing challenges. As the field advances, exploring the breadth of immunotherapeutic strategies—including innovative delivery platforms, new immune targets, and modes of overcoming resistance—is crucial for broadening the benefits of immunotherapy to a wider patient population.

This Research Topic welcomes submissions covering all aspects of cancer immunology and immunotherapy, from fundamental studies to clinical data and translational research. We seek manuscripts addressing, but not limited to:
• Adoptive cell therapies (CAR-T, TCR, TIL, NK)
• Cancer vaccination strategies (cell-, peptide-, nucleotide-, virus-based; mRNA, viral delivery)
• Clinical trials and translational research (including reports of negative results)
• Combination therapies, either synergistic or antagonistic
• Cytokine therapy and modulation of the tumor microenvironment
• Mechanisms of resistance and strategies for resensitization
• Novel directions and technology platforms (e.g., nanoparticles)
• Immune checkpoint inhibition (e.g., PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, LAG-3)
• Monoclonal, bispecific, and antibody-drug conjugates
• Oncolytic virus-based therapies (viral delivery, cargo design, immune responses)
• Safety and toxicology (in vivo animal work; clinical trials, any phase)

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
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• 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
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Cancer Immunotherapy, Adoptive cell therapy, Cancer vaccinations, Immune checkpoint inhibitors, Oncolytic virus therapy

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.