What is this collection about?
The complexity of tumour biology and the tumour microenvironment presents significant challenges for cancer research. Traditional two-dimensional cell cultures cannot fully recreate the intricate characteristics of tumours, while animal models can be costly, time intensive and subject to ethical constraints. To address these limitations, researchers have developed a range of advanced in vitro and ex vivo systems, including three-dimensional cell cultures such as spheroids and organoids, ex vivo organ models and tumour-on-a-chip platforms. In this cross-journal Collection, the editors of Communications Biology, Nature Cancer, Nature Communications and Scientific Reports welcome original research Articles that use established or novel experimental cancer models to investigate all aspects of tumour biology.

Why is this collection important?
Innovative cancer models are transforming the way researchers study tumour development, progression and response to treatment. By providing experimental systems that more closely resemble human disease than conventional approaches, these models can improve mechanistic understanding and facilitate translational research. This Collection aims to showcase advances in experimental cancer modelling and highlight how emerging platforms are helping researchers bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. This Collection supports and amplifies research related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being.

Why submit to a collection?
Collections like this one help attract and promote high-quality science. They are led by internal In-House Editors and supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest.

Who is involved?
Communications Biology is edited by both in-house professional editors and Editorial Board Members.

Nature Cancer is edited by in house professional editors. 

Nature Communications is edited by in-house professional editors.

Scientific Reports is managed by in-house professional editors and edited by Editorial Board Members.

Our editors work closely together to ensure the quality of our published papers and consistency in author experience.

How can I submit my paper?
Visit the Collection page to find out more about this collection and submit your article.