Tumorigenesis and Tumor Microenvironment—Insights and Interventions (TTMII)

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer development is a complex, multistage process involving not only genetic and molecular alterations within tumor cells but also significant changes in the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME, comprising immune cells, stromal components, blood vessels, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix, plays a pivotal role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, resistance to therapy, and recurrence. Despite growing evidence emphasizing its importance, our understanding of the TME remains incomplete. Most recently, the molecular link between stress, aging, and cancer has been elucidated. Accordingly, stress and aging interventions are predicted to have therapeutic and preventive benefits in cancer management. Critical insights are still needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing tumorigenesis, TME interactions, and their link to stress and aging, which could lead to the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Ongoing research aims to characterize such dynamic molecular signatures within stress, aging, and TME signaling and to develop strategies that can effectively modulate these elements for therapeutic gain. Although several therapeutic interventions have been designed to target the TME, such as angiogenesis inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and stromal modulators, significant challenges persist regarding specificity, efficacy, and resistance. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advances in tumorigenesis and tumor microenvironment research, with a focus on innovative strategies for therapeutic targeting. By deepening our understanding of tumorigenesis and TME dynamics and their link to stress and aging, this collection seeks to pave the way for the development of more precise and effective cancer therapies.

Prof. Dr. Renu Wadhwa
Dr. Sunil C. Kaul
Prof. Dr. Ajaikumar B. Kunnumakkara
Guest Editors

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