Editorial

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This issue marks the second year of existence of Molecular Oncology, a journal that was conceived to foster the development of discovery-driven translational cancer research. To nurture this emerging discipline – which uses knowledge-based, multidisciplinary approaches to derive new diagnostics and targeted cancer treatments for the benefit of the patient – there is an urgent need to improve the coordination of national and international cancer research strategies.

Work focused on developing innovative therapeutic options based on an understanding of the biological processes underlying disease pathogenesis can only be successfully undertaken if stakeholders from all parts of the cancer research continuum speak with one voice. Recognising this fact, in this issue of Molecular Oncology we publish the “Stockholm Declaration”, a statement made by senior representatives of major cancer centres in Europe who have agreed to work together towards the creation of a world-class platform for translational research. This platform will integrate all aspects of the research process to speed up the implementation into clinical practice of new treatments and technologies. Presently, there are no instruments in Europe to establish and support this type of initiative in a sustainable way. For this reason, signatories to the Stockholm Declaration believe it is vital that all stakeholders work in unison to combat the fragmentation and redundancy – both at scientific and political levels – that currently hinder effective translation of laboratory-derived knowledge into benefits for patients, and to ensure that the patient remains the focus of cancer research.

In line with these sentiments, an important objective of this journal is to provide a forum where researchers, health care providers, patient advocates, and other cancer stakeholders can raise awareness to issues that obstruct translational cancer research. In addition to the journal's high quality scientific content, we encourage the submission of articles on science policy and societal issues to reflect the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of cancer research and to acknowledge the necessity for broader discussions about its risks and benefits, given its growing costs.

To fulfill these aims, we are responding with a major step up in editorial activities. As part of this change, we have recently appointed Hannah Brown (see biography in this issue), former Senior Editor at The Lancet and The Lancet Oncology, as Managing Editor of Molecular Oncology. Hannah brings with her considerable experience in the oncology area as well as expertise in journalism. Hannah will be in charge of the News and Views section which we aim at making a major feature of Molecular Oncology.

Lately, there have been some other important journal developments that I would like to mention briefly. One is the fact that Molecular Oncology has greatly improved its visibility through Science Direct; today we have about 3200 accounts with full access. Another is to inform you that we are in the process of submitting an application for inclusion of the journal in Medline, an essential landmark in the future development of the journal. Moreover, we will be present at major cancer congresses this year and in June we will visit Beijing and Shanghai with the aim of introducing the journal to scientists and policy makers in this important part of the world.

Finally, I am very pleased to inform you that there has been a significant increase in the number of manuscripts submitted to the journal in the past few months and, as a result, we are currently considering the possibility of increasing the numbers of issues from four to six starting in 2009. Together with Hannah, José Moreira, the other Managing Editor (see biography in this issue) and the Editorial Board we will oversee the expansion of our coverage by identifying upcoming topics, by soliciting reviews on promising new areas of research, as well as by organising special issues on topics of broad interest.

Needless to say, the success of the journal depends on your support. We are looking forward to receiving your contributions.

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