Spatial transcriptomics in cancer research: insights into tumorigenesis, diagnosis and therapeutics

Spatial transcriptomics is an innovative technology that enables high-throughput, genome-wide analysis of transcript expression and spatial localization within tissues. By preserving structural organization, it provides critical insights into tumor sub-regions, substructures, and the heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer, stromal, and immune cells, as well as cell-cell interactions. Spatial transcriptomics also offers an unprecedented understanding of the tumor microenvironment, including immune cell infiltration, activation and repression, and immune suppression mediated by stromal cells. Importantly, it deepens our understanding of malignant transformation from precancerous lesions, tumorigenesis, and immune escape. Furthermore, spatial transcriptomics is reshaping cancer subtype diagnosis and risk stratification, uncovering factors associated with drug resistance, predicting therapy responses, and informing the development of personalized cancer treatments and potentially prevention. In summary, spatial transcriptomics serves as a cornerstone of cancer research, transforming the research landscape and unlocking groundbreaking opportunities for precision cancer diagnosis, risk stratification, targeted therapy, and prevention.