Translational Oncology: Transforming Cancer Care

More than any other discipline, oncology has been transformed by extraordinary scientific advancements that have occurred during the last decade. On a daily basis, we are thinking increasingly of cancer not by its particular pathologic features, but by its specific genetic alterations. The newest treatments are based on manipulating molecular targets present in a tumor rather than globally attempting to inhibit all cell growth. The pace at which bench-to-bedside research is having an impact on the clinical practice of oncology is extraordinary. It is an exciting and hopeful time to be involved in cancer research and care. The explosion of new approaches in cancer therapy, diagnosis, prevention, and prediction of response leads to some interesting challenges. How can we keep informed of the myriad discoveries that will impact patient care in the near future? How can we learn about genetic pathways and environmental alterations occurring in cancer that are increasingly being exploited for clinical purpose? As the therapeutic road from the laboratory to the clinic shortens, our need for the most up-to-date information increases. Translational oncology has become mainstream oncology—it is what we do each day in the laboratory and in the clinic. Over the last few years, the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) has produced a series on translational oncology topics and original papers. The series was received with enthusiasm by our readers, as well as basic and clinical scientists who found JCO an ideal venue for the publication of their work. In acknowledgment of the seamless integration of translational oncology into cancer care, JCO has now integrated the translational oncology series into each issue. Cutting-edge research and review articles concerning the most important scientific advances influencing clinical practice are published side by side with randomized clinical trials that change current standards of care. This evolution of JCO will provide both the daily tools needed for clinical practice as well as an immediate future vision of the practice of oncology. JCO welcomes novel research submissions from authors who have “one hand on the bench and the other on the patient.” Original research in fields such as tumor immunology, genomics, proteomics, epigenetics, and angiogenesis represent the future of cancer care. Some examples of the types of research that JCO encourages for submission include: • Early phase studies that report an unusual clinical response or an unexpected adverse effect that speaks to the mechanism of an action, or studies that present novel biomarkers that contribute significantly to our understanding of a drug’s effect; • Biomarkers, with biologic importance, that have been validated as useful clinical tools; and • Preclinical studies that address critical issues and bring insight to complex clinical problems. If research results might impact oncology practice within the next few years, it is critical that JCO readers learn of the key findings. As practitioners who care for patients with cancer, we must have at our fingertips the latest information that will bring hope, remission, and, potentially, survival. JCO’s expansion to include all aspects of cancer research important to our practice and our patients will give us the information to move into the future.