Work

Tumor draining lymph nodes in non-small cell lung cancer: underrecognized role in biomarker discovery and therapeutic innovation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Recent advances have furthered our understanding of the role of the tumor draining lymph node (TDLN) in the immune response to thoracic malignancies. This review synthesizes the rapidly expanding evidence that tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are not passive conduits of metastasis but dynamic immunologic organs that shape anti-tumor immunity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Across cytokine, cellular, genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic domains, the TDLN microenvironment becomes progressively remodeled towards immune suppression. These changes influence tumor growth and early metastasis, and may dictate responsiveness to various treatment modalities. The TDLN is also a practical and clinically relevant site for biomarker discovery and therapeutic innovation as a target of drug delivery and immunomodulation.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1781682

Authors: Alexander M. Bain, Andrew J. DeMaio, Antonio Velez, Jun-Chieh J. Tsay, Daniel H. Sterman

Institutions: NYU Langone Health, New York University, Jackson Health System, VA NY Harbor Healthcare System

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801