Chronic Inflammatory Wounds, Infections, and Malignant Tumors: Interrelationships, Pathogenesis, and Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment

The aim of this Special Issue, “Chronic Inflammatory Wounds, Infections, and Malignant Tumors: Interrelationships, Pathogenesis, and Strategies for Diagnosis and Treatment”, is to establish a comprehensive academic platform that highlights recent advances in understanding the complex interplay between chronic inflammation, infectious processes, and tumorigenesis.

 

Chronic inflammatory wounds and persistent infections are increasingly recognized as critical precursors and driving forces in the malignant transformation of tissues. By gathering state-of-the-art research, reviews, and clinical insights, this collection aims to promote translational understanding and inspire innovative therapeutic strategies.

 

The scope will encompass a wide range of research focusing on the mechanistic, pathological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of chronic inflammation–infection–cancer relationships. Topics of interest include the following:

 

1. Pathophysiological Mechanisms

• Molecular and cellular pathways linking chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis;
• Role of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in sustaining a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment;
• The impact of microbial infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic) on DNA damage, epigenetic modification, and immune evasion;
• Oxidative stress, metabolic reprogramming, and extracellular matrix remodeling in chronic wounds leading to malignancy;
• The tumor microenvironment as a dynamic system: interaction among immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and pathogens.

 

1. Experimental and Translational Studies

• In vitro and in vivo models of chronic inflammatory wounds and infection-induced carcinogenesis;
• Studies exploring the transition from chronic ulceration to malignant transformation;
• Biomarker discovery for early detection of infection-driven malignancies;
• Application of omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in elucidating inflammation-associated oncogenic signaling;
• Translational models for testing novel anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial interventions that prevent tumor initiation.

 

1. Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Approaches

• Epidemiological correlations between chronic infections (e.g., Helicobacter pylori, HPV, HBV/HCV) and cancer incidence;
• Diagnostic criteria and histopathological features of malignancies arising from chronic wounds or infections;
• Advances in imaging and molecular diagnostics for early identification of malignant transformation in chronic inflammatory sites;
• Role of liquid biopsy, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and inflammatory markers in clinical diagnosis and prognosis.

 

1. Therapeutic Strategies and Innovations

• Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapies for prevention and treatment;
• Antimicrobial and antiviral approaches in reducing cancer risk associated with chronic infections;
• Targeted therapies aimed at inflammatory signaling pathways (NF-κB, STAT3, COX-2, etc.);
• Novel biomaterial-based wound healing approaches that prevent malignant transformation;
• Integrative treatment models combining surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and infection control;
• Evaluation of therapeutic outcomes and quality-of-life assessments in patients with chronic inflammation-related cancers.

 

1. Engineering, Technological, and Diagnostic Advances

• Development of biosensors and wearable systems for real-time monitoring of wound healing and infection status;
• Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predictive modeling of chronic wound malignancy;
• Microbiome analysis and manipulation as a therapeutic target in inflammation-related oncogenesis;
• Novel imaging and electrodiagnostic tools for evaluating tissue microenvironment and cancer risk.

 

1. Future Perspectives and Challenges

• Identification of key regulatory networks connecting inflammation, infection, and tumor biology;
• Overcoming challenges in clinical translation and interdisciplinary collaboration;
• Development of precision medicine strategies tailored to inflammatory and infectious backgrounds;
• Ethical considerations in early intervention and surveillance of high-risk patients.

 

The goal of this Special Issue is to integrate inflammation–infection–cancer research into global health frameworks.

Dr. Hui Lu
Guest Editor

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