The Role of Endocrine Factors in Brain Tumor Biology and Treatment

The field of neuro-oncology is currently witnessing a growing interest in understanding the complex interactions between endocrine factors and brain tumor biology. While significant progress has been made in delineating the molecular and genetic landscape of high-grade and low-grade brain tumors such as glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, and meningioma, much remains unknown about how hormones and metabolic regulators contribute to their initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. Historically, observations -such as the accelerated meningioma growth during pregnancy- have hinted at a hormonal influence, yet direct investigations remain limited compared to the well-established endocrine links in reproductive cancers. Recent studies have revealed that brain tumors variably express receptors for water- and lipid-soluble hormones, suggesting potential avenues for both oncogenic stimulation and antitumor intervention. Despite these insights, the field suffers from a paucity of rigorous, mechanistic research exploring individual hormone actions in brain tumor models, leaving critical questions unresolved regarding the dual tumor-promoting or inhibiting actions of different hormones and the translational potential for endocrine-focused therapies.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of the multifaceted roles hormones play in brain tumor pathophysiology, with the overarching objective of bridging the gap in neuro-oncology research regarding endocrine influences. Central questions include elucidating which hormones and hormone receptors exert cancer-promoting versus cancer-suppressing effects in various brain tumor types, unraveling the mechanisms behind hormone responsiveness (or resistance), and evaluating innovative usages of hormone-based therapies as either stand-alone treatments or adjuvants to conventional modalities. Through prioritizing original research and facilitating dialogue among experts across endocrinology, oncology, and neurosciences, this Research Topic seeks to catalyze the translation of hormonal biology into tangible advances in brain tumor management.

To gather further insights into the boundaries and nuances of hormone actions in brain tumors, we welcome original research articles that examine both the basic mechanistic underpinnings and clinical implications, with a focus on underexplored pathways and receptor interactions. Review articles will also be considered. Contributions may include in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, as well as translational research. We invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Sex steroids (estrogen, progesterone, androgens) and their dual roles in glial tumor progression and therapy

- Hormonal and reproductive influences on meningioma growth, including pregnancy, contraceptives, hormone replacement, and gender-affirming treatments

- Growth hormone and its regulatory networks in brain tumor biology

- The impact of metabolic hormones and adipokines on brain tumor initiation and progression

- Hormone receptor profiling and significance in benign and malignant pituitary tumors

- Mechanisms of hormone-induced chemosensitization and radiosensitization in brain tumor models

- Development of hormone agonists and antagonists as potential therapeutic agents

Article types and fees

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

• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... 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:

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

Keywords: endocrine, hormone, metabolic, glioblastoma, glial tumor, medulloblastoma, meningioma, brain tumor

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.