JCO Implements Rapid Review Program

In an effort to support the practice-changing or time-dependent results of select articles submitted to the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the publication has introduced a new Rapid Review program. This fast-paced track gives authors an opportunity to have their important findings accelerated through the peer-review and publishing process. Papers selected for Rapid Review will have a decision rendered within 72 hours from the time a paper is assigned to an Associate Editor. Once accepted, Rapid Review papers will be published online within 4 to 6 weeks of acceptance and will be freely available online, regardless of whether the reader is a JCO subscriber.

This program, designed by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Stephen Cannistra, will bring greater attention to papers with immediate, practice-changing implications. Dr. Cannistra believes that “information of such timely relevance that has the potential to affect the lives of our patients should not be restricted solely to paid subscribers of JCO (or any other journal, for that matter).”¹

By bringing these papers to the forefront of the publication timeline, authors benefit by having priority status during the review process, but more significantly, practicing oncologists and their patients will have prompt access to time-sensitive and clinically important information. Authors who wish for their submissions to undergo Rapid Review may make this request in their submission letters. Ultimately, however, whether or not the paper will be rapidly reviewed is an editorial decision. ■

Reference

1. Cannistra S: New initiatives at Journal of Clinical Oncology. J Clin Oncol 29:2609-2610, 2011.