Cellular Plasticity and Invasive Dynamics in Pediatric Brain Tumors: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

Pediatric brain tumors represent a significant health challenge as they are the second most common form of childhood cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Unlike adult brain tumors, these malignancies often arise from unique developmental contexts and feature distinct molecular alterations. The high infiltrative nature of pediatric brain tumors severely limits the effectiveness of surgical interventions and is a major factor contributing to poor clinical outcomes. Additionally, the cellular plasticity of these tumors, defined by their ability to transition between different phenotypic states, accounts for increased heterogeneity, therapy resistance, and recurrence. Recent advances have been made through single-cell technologies, spatial transcriptomics, and innovative preclinical models, which have begun to shed light on the mechanisms of tumor invasion and plasticity. Despite these insights, therapeutic interventions targeting the invasiveness and adaptability of these tumors remain largely unexplored, highlighting the need for new research in this area.This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular and cellular foundations of invasion and plasticity within pediatric brain tumors. It seeks to showcase how these processes can be harnessed for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. By integrating fundamental biological research with cutting-edge technologies and translational studies, we intend to reveal how tumor cells engage with the developing brain microenvironment, misuse developmental pathways, and adapt under therapeutic pressure. The aim is to identify new targeting approaches for cellular states, migratory programs, and tumor–microenvironment interactions to derive novel therapeutic avenues. The ultimate goal is to stimulate cross-disciplinary dialogue and expedite the development of effective methods addressing invasion-driven progression and therapy resistance.To gather further insights in the understudied area of pediatric brain tumor invasion and plasticity, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Mechanistic insights into invasion and dissemination in pediatric brain tumors.- Cellular plasticity and state transitions driving heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance.- Neurodevelopmental pathways and their reactivation in tumor progression.- Tumor–microenvironment interactions, including glial, neuronal, and immune components.- Advanced preclinical models to study invasion and plasticity (e.g., organoids, xenografts, in vivo imaging).- Multi-omics and spatial approaches to dissect cellular heterogeneity and invasive niches.- Emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at limiting invasion or targeting plasticity.- Translational perspectives and clinical challenges in managing invasive pediatric brain tumors.Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases that are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of the scope of this Research Topic.Dr. Matei declared that her laboratory received grant funding from Atossa Inc and Aufbau Inc. Dr. Pericoli and Dr. Marabitti declared no conflicts of interest. Topic editors: Veronica Marabitti, Irina R Matei Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78900/cellular-plasticity-and-invasive-dynamics-in-pediatric-brain-tumors-from-mechanisms-to-therapeutic-strategies