Preface

It is my honor as Editor-in-Chief to present the first volume of Targeted Cancer Therapy Connect, a new peer-reviewed journal focused on the rapidly advancing fields of cancer immunology and immunotherapy. The aim of this first volume and of subsequent publications is to deepen our understanding of the molecular and cellular drivers of cancer and to highlight strategies that selectively target these molecules or pathways to improve therapeutic efficacy and patient outcomes. During the past years, targeted cancer therapy has evolved from being a conceptual framework into a cornerstone of modern oncology, changing the landscape of treatment for several patients. Advances in genomic profiling, molecular diagnostics, and drug development have enabled the identification of potential targets and the design of therapies that precisely disrupt oncogenic signaling pathways. From small-molecule inhibitors, T cell- and antibody-based therapies to emerging modalities such as antibody-drug conjugates and targeted protein degradation, these approaches have produced remarkable clinical benefits. However, several challenges need to be addressed, including tumor heterogeneity and immune resistance to biomarker development, as well as toxicities that are immune-related. Such intricacies require a platform for rigorous critical discussions, scientific exchange, and the dissemination of novel discoveries. This volume includes 9 original and review articles, which reflect on both the depth and diversity of the field of targeted cancer therapy. These studies cover varied topics such as immune evasion mechanisms, tumor microenvironment, cancer vaccines, and prognostic biomarkers, which demonstrate the dedication of the journal to covering pioneering research from basic science to translational innovation.