Mapping intratumor heterogeneity across layers for advancing immunotherapy

A comprehensive review published in Cell examines how multi-layer intratumor heterogeneity — the diversity of cell populations, genomic profiles, and microenvironmental features within a single tumor — shapes immune responses and treatment outcomes across cancer types. The authors argue that integrating data from multiple biological layers, rather than analyzing them in isolation, is essential for understanding why some patients respond to immunotherapy while others do not. The review synthesizes current evidence to propose a framework for guiding next-generation immunotherapy strategies that account for this complexity. While no new experimental data are presented, the work provides an authoritative roadmap for translational research in a field where treatment resistance remains a major clinical challenge.