Department of Oncology

Aims and Scope

Cancer arises through complex interactions among genetic alterations, cellular signalling pathways, tissue environments and host biological responses. Its investigation requires expertise spanning molecular biology, pathology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, imaging and population health. The Department of Oncology of The Gazette of Medical Sciences (The GMS) provides a multidisciplinary forum for research addressing the origins, biological behaviour, diagnosis, prevention and management of neoplastic diseases. Original investigations, clinical studies, experimental research, reviews and well-documented case reports are welcomed when they contribute to a clearer understanding of cancer or improve the evidence available for oncological practice. The Department encompasses both malignant neoplasms and clinically relevant benign tumours, with particular emphasis on questions that connect biological discovery with patient care.

Understanding how tumours develop, progress and spread remains fundamental to oncology. Research examining oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, genomic instability, epigenetic regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumour metabolism, cancer stem cells and the tumour microenvironment falls within the Department's scope. The interactions between malignant cells, immune responses, stromal tissues and circulating biological factors are also important areas of investigation. Studies involving molecular pathology, cancer genomics, proteomics, experimental models, biomarkers and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance are encouraged, particularly where they provide mechanistic insight or identify opportunities for earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Clinical oncology involves decisions extending from initial diagnosis and staging to treatment selection, disease monitoring and the management of recurrence. The Department welcomes investigations of solid tumours and haematological malignancies across adult and paediatric populations. Relevant contributions include studies of diagnostic imaging, histopathology, molecular testing, prognostic indicators, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, systemic chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatments and combined therapeutic approaches. Clinical trials, observational studies, comparative treatment evaluations and carefully documented unusual presentations are valuable when they clarify therapeutic effectiveness, adverse effects, clinical decision-making or patient outcomes.

Progress in cancer care increasingly depends on translating laboratory findings into clinically meaningful interventions. The Department therefore encourages translational oncology, precision medicine, immuno-oncology, cancer nanotechnology, drug development and research into novel therapeutic delivery systems. Investigations employing computational oncology, artificial intelligence, radiomics, liquid biopsy technologies and molecularly guided treatment strategies are appropriate when supported by suitable validation. Cancer prevention, screening, epidemiology, environmental and occupational risk factors, hereditary cancer syndromes and disparities in access to diagnosis and treatment also form essential parts of the Department's coverage. Comparative and veterinary oncology may contribute additional insights into shared biological mechanisms and therapeutic challenges.

The consequences of cancer extend beyond tumour control and include treatment toxicity, functional limitations, psychological distress, financial burden and long-term effects on quality of life. Research into supportive oncology, rehabilitation, psycho-oncology, palliative care, survivorship and patient-centred outcomes is therefore encouraged alongside investigations of cancer prevention and treatment. Submissions should present clearly defined research questions, appropriate methods, transparent reporting, ethical oversight where applicable and conclusions proportionate to the evidence. Novel hypotheses and emerging therapeutic approaches should be distinguished from clinically established interventions. Through critical editorial assessment and peer review, the Department seeks to advance reliable oncological knowledge and constructive scientific exchange among researchers and healthcare professionals.

Areas of Interest

• Benign Tumours
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Oncology
• Cancer Genetics and Genomics
• Cancer Epigenetics
• Oncogenes and Tumour Suppressor Genes
• Cell Cycle Regulation and Apoptosis
• Angiogenesis
• Tumour Microenvironment
• Cancer Stem Cells
• Tumour Metabolism
• Cancer Invasion and Metastasis
• Molecular Pathology
• Cancer Biomarkers
• Liquid Biopsy
• Cancer Diagnosis and Staging
• Cancer Imaging and Radiomics
• Clinical Oncology
• Medical Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Paediatric Oncology
• Geriatric Oncology
• Haematological Malignancies
• Breast Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Cancers
• Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Cancers
• Lung and Thoracic Cancers
• Genitourinary Cancers
• Gynaecological Cancers
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Brain and Central Nervous System Tumours
• Skin Cancers and Melanoma
• Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• Rare Cancers
• Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
• Cancer Chemotherapy
• Endocrine Therapy in Oncology
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Targeted Cancer Therapy
• Precision Oncology
• Combination Cancer Therapies
• Cancer Drug Development
• Therapeutic Resistance in Cancer
• Cancer Nanotechnology
• Translational Oncology
• Experimental Cancer Models
• Clinical Trials in Oncology
• Oncological Treatment Outcomes
• Cancer Prevention
• Cancer Screening and Early Detection
• Cancer Epidemiology
• Environmental and Occupational Carcinogens
• Cancer Risk Assessment
• Cancer Health Disparities
• Supportive Oncology
• Psycho-Oncology
• Oncology Rehabilitation
• Palliative Oncology
• Cancer Survivorship
• Quality of Life in Cancer Care
• Artificial Intelligence in Oncology
• Computational Oncology
• Veterinary and Comparative Oncology