Advancing Pediatric Immuno-Oncology: Translational Progress and Global Access Challenges

Pediatric immuno-oncology is an expanding field that aims to harness the immune system to improve outcomes for children with cancer. Cellular therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) and T-cell receptor (TCR)-based approaches, have demonstrated significant clinical benefit in selected hematological malignancies, while their application to pediatric solid tumors remains an important area of investigation. Immune checkpoint modulation, tumor microenvironment biology, angiogenesis, and immune escape are also receiving increasing attention. However, responses remain heterogeneous, and the biological diversity of pediatric cancers creates challenges in identifying reliable biomarkers, overcoming treatment resistance, and translating discoveries into safe and effective therapies. In addition, unequal access to advanced immunotherapies, specialized care, clinical trials, and diagnostic infrastructure continues to affect children across regions and health systems.Recent studies have expanded understanding of immune cell engineering, checkpoint pathways, tumor-specific antigens, and the interaction between angiogenesis and antitumor immunity. Liquid biopsy and longitudinal immune monitoring may support earlier assessment of treatment response and disease progression, while research in rare and ocular tumors, including retinoblastoma, is broadening the scope of pediatric immuno-oncology. Nevertheless, important questions remain regarding patient selection, durability of responses, treatment-related toxicities, mechanisms of resistance, and the applicability of findings across diverse populations. Further translational and collaborative research is needed to bridge laboratory discoveries, clinical implementation, and equitable global delivery.This Research Topic aims to examine translational advances and persistent challenges in pediatric immuno-oncology. It will explore the development, evaluation, and monitoring of immune-based therapies; investigate biomarkers and mechanisms that influence response or resistance; and address the biological features of pediatric solid and rare tumors. The Research Topic will also consider strategies for improving global access, strengthening research capacity, and ensuring that advances in pediatric immunotherapy can be implemented safely and equitably.To gather further insights into pediatric immuno-oncology within translational research and global access boundaries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Cellular immunotherapies in pediatric cancers, including CAR-T and TCR-based approaches• Clinical development of immunotherapies for pediatric solid tumors• Immune checkpoint modulation, predictive biomarkers, and resistance mechanisms• Tumor microenvironment biology in pediatric cancers• Interactions between angiogenesis and antitumor immunity• Immuno-oncology approaches for ocular and rare pediatric tumors, including retinoblastoma• Biomarkers, liquid biopsy, and longitudinal monitoring of immune responses• Immune-related toxicities, treatment optimization, and long-term survivorship• Translational models for evaluating pediatric immunotherapies• Global disparities in access to pediatric immunotherapy, clinical trials, and specialized careWe welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, review articles, clinical trials, methods articles, brief research reports, case reports, and perspectives. Topic editors: Hikmet Gülşah Tanyıldız, Gülay Sezgin Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/86685/advancing-pediatric-immuno-oncology-translational-progress-and-global-access-challenges