Tumor Microenvironment Complexity and its Therapeutic Implications - Volume II

The tumor microenvironment (TME) remains a cornerstone in understanding cancer biology, functioning as a dynamic ecosystem composed of cancer cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix components, pericytes, and blood vessels. Since the publication of the first volume of this Research Topic, new insights have reinforced the critical role of the TME in shaping tumor aggressiveness, metastatic behavior, and therapeutic resistance. In Veterinary Oncology, the integration of TME research has continued to evolve, though it still lags human biomedical research. The comparative investigation of naturally occurring cancers in companion animals provides a translational opportunity to unveil mechanisms of tumor progression relevant to both human and veterinary patients. Despite significant progress, the comprehensive understanding of TME architecture and function in companion animals remains in its infancy.Recent studies have revealed how specific TME components—such as immune cell infiltration and extracellular matrix remodeling—modulate disease outcomes and response to therapy. Furthermore, advances in molecular and imaging techniques enable a more refined analysis of the spatial and functional organization of the TME. However, challenges persist in translating these findings into therapeutic strategies, partly due to the limited availability of integrated, multi-dimensional studies across veterinary species. Greater collaborative and cross-species research efforts are required to uncover the interplay between TME components and to develop new therapeutic approaches aimed at reprogramming or targeting the microenvironment.This Research Topic aims to build upon the foundations laid in Volume I, further deepening the understanding of TME complexity and its therapeutic applications in Veterinary Oncology. It seeks to encourage contributions that analyze the multiscale interactions within the TME, explore innovative treatment strategies, and strengthen the bridge between veterinary and human oncology through translational research in companion animals.To gather further insights into TME complexity and its therapeutic implications in veterinary oncology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:o • Molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating the TME in companion animal cancers• Structural and functional analysis of the extracellular matrix and its influence on tumor progression• Immune cell dynamics within the TME and their correlation with clinical outcomes• Development of targeted therapies reprogramming TME components to overcome therapeutic resistance• Cross-species comparative studies revealing conserved TME mechanisms between humans and animals• Integration of high-throughput and spatial technologies to explore TME heterogeneityAppendix: We welcome Original Research, Review, and Translational articles expanding our understanding of the TME and its role in therapeutic innovation in companion animal oncology. Topic editors: Carlos Eduardo Fonseca-Alves, Marxa L Figueiredo, Denner Santos Dos Anjos Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82975/tumor-microenvironment-complexity-and-its-therapeutic-implications---volume-ii