In oncology, understanding the mechanisms behind the spread of cancer cells through blood and lymphatic vessels is crucial for tackling the formation of secondary tumor lesions and reduce cancer mortality. Recent studies highlight a pressing need for intense research into the particular cell subsets and molecular drivers that facilitate tumor cell dissemination, both in patients and individuals with an increased risk of developing a neoplasm or diagnosed with preneoplastic conditions. The complexity is further amplified by tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic interactions within the tumor's micro- and macro-environment, posing significant challenges to effective interventions.

This Research Topic aims to elaborate on the heterogeneity of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their role in cancer risk, progression, and response to therapies. We also intend to shed light on various circulating cell subtypes — including tumor-associated, atypical, stromal, and non-malignant cells — and their implications in early cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment customization. By addressing these objectives, the research seeks to bridge gaps between preclinical data and clinical trials, with the aim to intervene across the cancer control continuum and enhance patient survival through targeted strategies.

To gather further insights into hematogenous cancer dissemination, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Classification of circulating tumor, tumor-associated, stromal, and atypical cells.
- Interactions between circulating tumor/atypical cells and abnormal peripheral blood cells and their roles in tumor initiation, dormancy, and progression.
- Immune and molecular profiling of blood-borne cell subsets in cancer or preneoplastic conditions.
- Multi-omic analyses of circulating cells.
- Development of cell-based tests and molecular classifiers for precision oncology.
- Observational, interventional, and retrospective studies utilizing CTC and circulating cell analyses.
- Innovations in technology and methodologies for cell identification and profiling in clinical settings.
- Genetic screening and modeling using CTC-derived cultures and xenografts.
- Molecular mechanisms driving cancer cell spread and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases that are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this Research Topic.

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Circulating Cancer, Cancer-Associated, Atypical and Stromal Cells in Neoplastic and Preneoplastic Conditions