Journal Overview

This journal is an international, peer reviewed, open access publication that publishes original research articles and review articles covering all aspects of cancer science, from fundamental biology to translational and clinical applications. The journal focuses on cutting edge advances that integrate mechanistic insights with emerging technologies and therapeutic strategies, aiming to accelerate precision oncology and improve patient outcomes. The journal's scope is organized into two complementary tracks, Basic Science Sections and Clinical Sections. Both experimental and clinical studies are welcomed.

 

Basic Science Sections

The Basic Science Sections welcome original research and review articles that advance mechanistic understanding of cancer and develop the technologies, models, and analytical frameworks needed to translate that understanding into therapy. Submissions are organized into ten sections that include cancer biology, cancer immunology, cancer metabolism, signal transduction and molecular mechanisms, therapeutic development, chemical biology, translational cancer research, cancer landscapes, computational and artificial intelligence driven cancer biology, and drug delivery and technology.

1. Cancer Biology

This section focuses on the fundamental biological mechanisms that drive cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. Topics include the molecular and cellular underpinnings of tumorigenesis, including oncogenic and tumor‑suppressive pathways, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Special emphasis is placed on tumor heterogeneity and evolution, the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, epigenetic reprogramming, and preclinical modeling. Studies that integrate mechanistic insights with emerging technologies—such as single‑cell omics, lineage tracing, and in vivo models—to advance our understanding of cancer as a complex, dynamic disease are particularly encouraged.

2. Cancer Immunology

This section is dedicated to the intricate interactions between the immune system and cancer cells, and the development of immunotherapeutic strategies. Scope includes the characterization of tumor‑immune cell interactions, immune cell functions within the tumor microenvironment, mechanisms of immune evasion and suppression, and the identification of novel immune checkpoints. We welcome studies on adoptive cell therapies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, and the mechanisms underlying primary and acquired immunotherapy resistance. Translational and clinical studies that bridge basic immunology with therapeutic applications are of particular interest.

3. Cancer Metabolism

This section explores the metabolic reprogramming that enables cancer cells to survive, proliferate, and metastasize under adverse conditions such as hypoxia, acidosis, and nutrient limitation. Topics include the molecular regulation of metabolic pathways (including glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism), metabolic crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, immunometabolism, and the role of whole‑body metabolism—including obesity and diabetes—in cancer risk and progression. Studies employing metabolomics, metabolic imaging, and preclinical or clinical investigation of metabolism‑targeted therapies are strongly encouraged.

4. Signal Transduction and Molecular Mechanisms

This section examines the signaling networks and molecular circuits that govern normal cellular homeostasis and whose dysregulation drives malignant transformation. Scope encompasses the characterization of key oncogenic and  tumor‑suppressive pathways—such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, p53, Wnt, and Hippo—as well as the mechanisms of DNA damage repair, epigenetic regulation, and post‑translational modifications. We welcome studies that provide experimentally validated, mechanistic insights into how aberrant signaling promotes cancer hallmarks including uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, and metastasis. Research that integrates biochemical, structural, and genetic approaches to uncover novel therapeutic targets within these pathways is particularly encouraged.

5. Therapeutic Development

This section focuses on the discovery, design, and translation of novel anticancer therapeutics. Scope includes the development of small molecules, biologics, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, antibody–drug conjugates, and gene‑ and cell‑based therapies. We prioritize studies that address therapeutic resistance mechanisms, rational combination strategies, precision oncology, and biomarker‑guided treatment selection. Manuscripts covering the full therapeutic development pipeline—from target identification and preclinical evaluation through clinical trials and therapeutic optimization—are welcome, with special emphasis on studies that bridge laboratory discovery and clinical practice.

6. Chemical Biology

This section highlights research at the interface of chemistry and biology, with a focus on developing and applying chemical tools to probe, manipulate, and visualize cancer‑relevant biological processes. Scope includes the design and synthesis of small‑molecule probes, natural product discovery and characterization, activity‑based protein profiling, chemoproteomics, bioorthogonal chemistry, and chemical genetic screening. We are particularly interested in studies that use chemical approaches to elucidate molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, identify new drug targets, or overcome therapeutic resistance. Translational research that bridges chemical biology to therapeutic development is strongly encouraged.

7. Translational Cancer Research

This section serves as a bridge between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, with the overarching goal of improving cancer patient care. Scope includes preclinical studies of novel therapeutic interventions, biomarker discovery and validation, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic analyses, early‑phase clinical trials, and studies on risk assessment, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. We welcome research that translates molecular and cellular insights into clinical tools or paradigms, as well as studies that identify and overcome barriers to clinical implementation. The ultimate aim is to advance evidence‑based, patient‑centered cancer medicine.

8. Cancer Landscapes

This section provides a systems‑level perspective on cancer, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and clinical data to construct comprehensive portraits of tumor biology. Scope includes large‑scale genomic and multi‑omic characterization of cancer cohorts, studies of tumor evolution and clonal heterogeneity, the mapping of mutational signatures and driver alterations, and the integration of molecular and clinical data to identify prognostic and predictive biomarkers. We particularly encourage studies that leverage big data and systems biology approaches to uncover principles of tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance, and that translate these insights into precision medicine strategies.

9. Computational and Artificial Intelligence Cancer Biology

This section focuses on the development and application of computational, statistical, and artificial intelligence methods to address fundamental and translational questions in cancer research. Scope includes machine learning and deep learning approaches for multi‑omic data integration, predictive modeling of drug response and resistance, image analysis for histopathological and radiological data, and the construction of gene regulatory and signaling networks. Papers must present conceptually novel approaches validated through rigorous benchmarking and, where applicable, experimental confirmation. Studies that enable precision oncology, cancer evolution modeling, or the discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are particularly encouraged.

10. Drug Delivery and Technology

This section covers the engineering and application of advanced drug delivery systems designed to enhance the efficacy, safety, and precision of cancer therapeutics. Scope includes the development of nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric carriers, hydrogels, and implantable devices for targeted and controlled release of chemotherapeutics, nucleic acids, proteins, and immunomodulatory agents. Topics also encompass stimuli‑responsive and bioinspired delivery systems, theranostic platforms combining therapy and imaging, and strategies to overcome physiological barriers such as the tumor microenvironment and biological membranes. Preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrate improved pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, therapeutic index, or patient outcomes are strongly encouraged.

 

Clinical Sections

The Clinical Sections are dedicated to publishing high-quality research in tumor immunology and oncology with demonstrable clinical relevance and translational potential. We welcome work on immune checkpoint inhibitors, cellular therapies, cancer vaccines, bispecific antibodies, immunomodulators, and their combinations with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted agents, and anti-angiogenic therapy, across both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Submissions are organized into five sections according to their position along the translational pathway, so that studies of differing maturity are evaluated against appropriate, stage-specific standards.

1. Preclinical Research

This stream considers preclinical work with a clearly defined, near-term path to clinical application. The distinction from the journal's basic-science sections is that submissions must articulate an explicit translational trajectory. Topics of interest include IND-enabling efficacy and safety studies; mechanism-of-action and resistance studies using patient-derived models (PDX, organoids, humanized mice); discovery and analytical validation of predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers; companion diagnostic development; mechanistic and resistance studies based on clinical specimens; and reverse-translational research originating from clinical observations. Submissions should state clearly how the findings inform subsequent trial design or clinical decision-making.

2. Early-phase Clinical Research

This stream considers first-in-human studies and phase I/Ib/II trials, with emphasis on dose finding, determination of the recommended phase II dose, safety and tolerability, and characterization of immune-related adverse events. We particularly encourage trials employing innovative designs (basket, umbrella, platform, and adaptive designs), as well as biomarker-driven, window-of-opportunity, and neoadjuvant studies. Submissions should include robust pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data and immune correlative analyses. Well-designed negative trials that yield substantive mechanistic insight are also welcome. All clinical trials must provide prospective registration details and be reported in accordance with CONSORT and its relevant extensions.

3. Late-phase Clinical Trials

This stream considers phase III randomized controlled trials, registrational trials, and other confirmatory studies evaluating immunotherapies and immunotherapy-based combinations. Areas of interest include long-term follow-up of overall survival, progression-free survival, and other key efficacy endpoints; patient-reported outcomes and quality of life collected within trial protocols; prospective validation of predictive biomarkers in randomized settings; structured assessment and management of immune-related adverse events; and the enrollment of populations historically underrepresented in trials, including older adults, patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease, and those with organ dysfunction. Pragmatic and platform trials are welcome. All submissions must provide prospective trial registration and be reported in accordance with CONSORT and its relevant extensions; protocols for ongoing late-phase trials may be considered under the SPIRIT guidelines.

4. Real-world Evidence

This stream considers rigorous observational and real-world research that complements evidence from controlled trials by characterizing the effectiveness, safety, and value of cancer immunotherapy in routine clinical practice. Areas of interest include comparative-effectiveness research; registry- and cohort-based analyses of treatment patterns and outcomes; long-term and late-toxicity surveillance, including delayed immune-related adverse events; health-economic and cost-effectiveness evaluation; patient-reported outcomes in routine care; and studies addressing patient populations and care settings underrepresented in clinical trials. Submissions must adhere to STROBE and, where applicable, RECORD reporting guidelines, and should clearly state data provenance and governance.

5. Systematic Reviews & Meta-analyses

This stream considers only methodologically rigorous evidence syntheses that offer clear implications for clinical practice or future research. Submissions must comply with PRISMA, have a prospectively registered protocol (e.g., in PROSPERO), and apply structured certainty-of-evidence assessment such as GRADE. Individual patient data (IPD) meta-analyses, network meta-analyses, and living systematic reviews are given priority.