Understanding Women’s Health in Cancer: Metabolism, Fertility, and Beyond

Cancer in women presents distinct biological and clinical challenges that extend beyond tumor control alone. Sex specific differences in metabolism, hormonal regulation, immune responses, and reproductive biology shape cancer risk, progression, treatment response, and survivorship. A comprehensive understanding of women’s health in cancer therefore requires an integrated perspective that connects molecular mechanisms with clinical care and long-term quality of life.Metabolic regulation plays a central role in both carcinogenesis and therapeutic outcomes. Alterations in glucose metabolism, lipid signaling, mitochondrial function, and systemic metabolic states such as obesity and insulin resistance influence tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment. In women, these metabolic pathways intersect with estrogen signaling, ovarian function, and life stage transitions including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. For example, adipose tissue serves as an endocrine organ that contributes to estrogen production, which is particularly relevant in hormone responsive malignancies. Metabolic health also affects treatment toxicity and recovery, highlighting the need for precision approaches that account for sex specific physiology.Fertility and reproductive health are critical considerations in the management of cancer in adolescents and young adults. Advances in early detection and therapy have improved survival rates, yet gonadotoxic treatments can compromise ovarian reserve, endocrine function, and future reproductive potential. Fertility preservation strategies, including oocyte and embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue preservation, and emerging pharmacologic interventions, must be integrated into oncology care pathways. Beyond fertility, the impact of cancer therapies on pregnancy outcomes, sexual health, and endocrine balance requires systematic investigation and multidisciplinary collaboration.Women’s health in cancer also encompasses survivorship, psychosocial wellbeing, and long term comorbidities. Cardiometabolic complications, bone loss, cognitive changes, and persistent fatigue are influenced by treatment exposure and underlying biological vulnerability. Addressing these challenges demands coordinated efforts across oncology, endocrinology, reproductive medicine, and public health.This Research Collection aims to advance mechanistic insights, translational innovation, and patient centered care strategies that improve outcomes for women across the cancer continuum. By bridging metabolism, fertility, and systemic health, we seek to foster research that reflects the complexity and resilience of women living with and beyond cancer.Topics of interest include but not limited to:• Metabolic reprogramming and hormone signaling in female specific cancers• Obesity, insulin resistance, and cancer risk in women• Fertility preservation strategies and ovarian protection during cancer therapy• Impact of cancer treatment on reproductive lifespan and endocrine health• Pregnancy associated cancers and maternal fetal outcomes• Cardiometabolic and skeletal complications in female cancer survivors• Precision medicine approaches integrating sex specific biology in oncology Topic editors: Marzia Di Donato, Gustavo Cernera Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78362/understanding-womens-health-in-cancer-metabolism-fertility-and-beyond