In 2024, many CCO authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2024)

Yasuhiro Nakamura, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan

Maria Jiang, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Canada

Jason C. Ye, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer, USA

Janaina Fernandes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Satoshi Hirano, Funabashi Municipal Medical Center, Japan

Szymon Piatek, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Poland

Gabriel Levin, McGill University, Canada

Georgios Antonios Margonis, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA

Marcelo Antonini, IAMSPE, Brazil

Tadahiko Shien, Okayama University Hospital, Japan

Outstanding Author

Yasuhiro Nakamura

Dr. Yasuhiro Nakamura, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermato-oncologist and a Professor of the Department of Skin Oncology/Dermatology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan. His fields of interest include dermatologic oncology, dermatologic surgery, and drug therapy for skin cancer. He is the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Japanese Skin Cancer Guidelines. He has conducted projects regarding surgery for skin cancer (Confirmatory Trial of Non-amputative Digit Preservation Surgery in Subungual Melanoma (JCOG1602, J-NAIL), and confirmatory trial of narrower side margin excision for basal cell carcinoma in the Japanese population (JCOG2005, J-BASE-MARGIN)).

Dr. Nakamura thinks that a good research paper is clear about what the problem is. In addition, the subject and methods should be appropriate, and the results should have new findings. In particular, if the problem is unclear and the subject and methods are incorrect, the interpretation of the results will be difficult, and valid conclusions will not be obtained.

During preparation of a paper, Dr. Nakamura believes a basic rule should be followed – to avoid redundant and repetitive sentences. To him, it is important to describe what the problem is, how the research was designed and planned to solve it, and what the conclusions were based on the results in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.

Seeing the prevalence of data sharing in scientific writing in recent years, Dr. Nakamura indicates that it is important but prudent for authors to share research data. In his opinion, data sharing has the potential to bring researchers with different backgrounds and research interests together to share ideas and generate new ideas and research. An online platform would also allow other researchers to review and upload the progress of their research. Data sharing could also help prevent research misconduct if detailed data are made available to the public. On the other hand, there are issues of reliability of shared data and authorship through data sharing.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Di Maria Jiang

Dr. Maria Jiang is a genitourinary medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Center (PM) and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. She specializes in the management of prostate, bladder, and testicular cancer and has helped author or co-author multiple national guidelines in Canada. She received her Medical Oncology Residency in Toronto, fellowship at PM, and Master of Science degree in Clinical Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. Her research interest includes the use of targeted therapies and investigator-initiated trials in genitourinary malignancies. Dr. Jiang has received multiple research grant awards as well as the Medical Oncology Training Program outstanding teaching award, nominated by residents. Connect with her on Twitter/X @DiMariaJiang.

In Dr. Jiang’s opinion, academic manuscripts in medical oncology should aim to enhance our understanding of disease biology and optimize current management paradigms or their delivery through an evidence-based approach. To her, a high-quality publication first starts with a high-quality study design, which requires a comprehensive literature review, a clinically relevant scientific question, a main objective, and a well-designed study protocol to address current gaps in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment.

In addition, Dr. Jiang points out that good scientific writing centers around the main objective and results of the study, using concise, clear, and impactful language. When interpreting study results, authors should minimize bias, encourage critical thinking and facilitate a balanced discussion. According to her, one of the common pitfalls in scientific writing is not having the manuscript centered around the main objective or results of the study. The content in the manuscript should serve to frame the main study question or support the study results.

“Beyond gaining valuable experience and skills in scientific writing itself, the process of preparing a manuscript is one of the best ways of facilitating self-directed learning on the topic at hand. It is a truly remarkable and valuable exercise to help build knowledge base, engage in critical thinking, and facilitate new research questions and ideas,” says Dr. Jiang.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Jason C. Ye

Dr. Jason Ye is an Associate Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology at Keck School of Medicine of USC and serves as the Director of Clinical Operations of Radiation Oncology at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer. He completed a seven-year accelerated liberal arts/medical (BA/MD) education from Boston University, and completed his medical doctorate degree, graduating cum laude and was also inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at Weill Cornell Medicine – New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Ye has presented and published studies on topics regarding breast, lung, and central nervous system cancers. He continues to lead various research and education efforts on these and other topics at USC and collaborates with experts around the U.S. and the world. His research interests include decreasing radiation therapy toxicity and combining radiation therapy with novel systemic therapy agents for safer and more efficacious treatments. Connect with Dr. Ye on X and LinkedIn.

In Dr. Ye’s opinion, a well-described rationale for conducting the study to explain why the question being asked is essential for an academic paper. Also important are clear explanations of study methods, analyses that are easy to follow, and a summary of important take-home messages that add to the readers’ knowledge.

According to Dr. Ye, during preparation of a paper, authors should try to write from a reader’s perspective. Most of them likely do not have as much expertise or knowledge about the topic and have not thought about the subject as much as the author. The paper should be clearly organized and easy to follow and provides information that is relevant and easy to understand to the readers. After reading the paper, the readers should have a deeper understanding of their existing knowledge of the topic or learn something entirely new. In either case, the paper should have an impact on how they approach and conduct their day-to-day work.

In view of the prevalence of data sharing in recent years, Dr. Ye comments that while the type and amount of data that can be shared may be limited depending on the situation, it is important for such data to be available. To him, sharing of research data improves transparency of the study and allows the readers to critically analyze the data, which may lead to additional questions and collaborations.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Janaina Fernandes

Dr. Janaina Fernandes possesses a Ph.D. in Biophysics, from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is currently an Associate Professor of molecular genetics at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She developed her expertise in the area of​​Pharmacology, with an emphasis on Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology, working mainly on the following topics: proteomics, multidrug resistance, the autophagic activity of natural products to treat neurodegenerative disorders, and drug repurposing, with emphasis on the use of metformin as an adjuvant for treating resistant tumors.

A good paper, in Dr. Fernandes’ view, brings an innovative perspective on any subject, which is highly facilitated by well-designed studies. Understanding the relevance of one’s research for the field of knowledge helps to achieve clarity when communicating one’s findings. To her, good papers are able to make the readers promptly understand the importance and relevance of the data produced.

“Something I observed from my reviewer experience is that many authors struggle to avoid redundancy in their manuscripts,” says Dr. Fernandes, speaking of the difficulties observed in academic writing, “There are lack of clarity, exacerbated exemplifications, and unfocused discussion. Some of these difficulties in writing come from the study design, for it is more difficult to write about something that is not completely clear in the author’s mind.”

Lastly, Dr. Fernandes expresses that academic writing is the continuous process of learning, as every time one needs to communicate his/her findings. Independent of the field, starting a new paper is always an exercise of creativity and self-criticism. The subsequent process of peer review contributes to this learning and consolidates the feeling of belonging to the scientific community.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Satoshi Hirano

Dr. Satoshi Hirano, MD, PhD, is a Japanese specialist in cancer pharmacotherapy and respiratory medicine. He serves as the Head of the Department of Oncology at Funabashi Municipal Medical Center, Japan. He is involved in the treatment of a wide range of cancers, including lung cancer. In addition to providing cancer care rooted in the local community, he also conducts clinical research.

CCO: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?

Dr. Hirano: As a clinician, I often encounter unexpected challenges in daily practice. Especially when a new treatment is introduced, we face issues that cannot be resolved through clinical trial articles or textbooks that prove their efficacy. In such situations, case reports can be extremely useful. While case reports are generally considered to have relatively lower value compared to multi-center comparative studies, they can sometimes promptly resolve everyday clinical issues. Particularly valuable case reports include methods for managing relatively common adverse events and treatment effects in cases where large-scale comparative studies are difficult. These reports have the potential to lead to the development of new treatments in the future.

CCO: What do authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?

Dr. Hirano: When preparing a paper, the most important thing is to establish a clear conclusion and provide sufficient and necessary information to support it. There is often a temptation to include more information, but this can make the interpretation more difficult. If the content is too specialized and the writing is too complex, readers who are not well-versed in the subject may find it difficult to understand. On the other hand, if the data are insufficient, readers may need to look up related papers to understand the context. Even for case reports, the goal is to ensure that the main point and the path leading to it can be understood from the paper itself.

CCO: Why do you choose to publish in CCO?

Dr. Hirano: We chose CCO because it is a leading clinical oncology journal in Asia, with its articles reaching a wide audience of Asian readers. For us Japanese, the content is particularly valuable as the patient backgrounds are similar, making the findings highly relevant to our work. Additionally, CCO is one of the few journals that publishes not only original articles but also case reports. These factors make CCO an ideal platform for disseminating our research.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Szymon Piatek

Szymon Piatek is a gynecological oncologist working at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, the largest oncology center in Poland. His daily clinical practice focuses on the surgical treatment of gynecological cancers, with a particular emphasis on ovarian cancer. Additionally, he cares for patients undergoing fertility-sparing treatments for gynecological cancers. In 2014, he graduated from the Medical University of Warsaw, and in 2018, obtained a PhD in medical sciences. Dr. Piatek is currently participating in the postgraduate Clinical Scholars Research Training Program at Harvard Medical School. His scientific interests include novel strategies for ovarian cancer treatment and methods for detecting early signs of ovarian cancer recurrence. He also conducts research on the effectiveness of fertility preservation methods in gynecological neoplasms, considering both oncological and obstetric outcomes. Connect with him on X @SzymonPiatek1.

In Dr. Piatek’s opinion, two key elements contribute to a good academic paper. The first element, primarily dependent on the main author, is the necessity of a thorough understanding of the current state of knowledge and a systematic review of the literature. This ensures that no new developments are overlooked in the manuscript. The second element is the inclusion of an appropriate multidisciplinary team of co-authors. Collaboration with individuals who have a diverse range of expertise leads to the generation of new ideas and broadens the perspective on the given problem.

In addition, Dr. Piatek believes it is important to follow reporting guidelines such as CONSORT, PRISMA and CARE during the preparation of manuscripts. To him, these guidelines promote transparency in research and ensure that all necessary information is included and presented in a consistent manner. They help maintain the high quality of the manuscript and enable readers to understand the paper more easily.

“Perseverance in pursuing a goal is essential for achieving success. One should not be discouraged by failures but rather draw conclusions that can enrich their work,” says Dr. Piatek.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Gabriel Levin

Dr. Gabriel Levin is a gynecologic oncology fellow at McGill University. His research encompasses population database studies with clinical implication and innovations in medical education and health care. He has published more than 190 peer reviewed original articles. Connect with him on LinkedIn and X.

In Dr. Levin’s opinion, a good academic paper has several key features: 1) Clear and relevant research question - This question should address a significant problem or gap in the field, providing a clear direction for the study. 2) Strong theoretical framework - It should situate the research within the existing body of knowledge, demonstrating how it builds on or challenges previous work. 3) Methodological rigor - Whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, the chosen approach should be well-justified and executed with precision. Clear descriptions of methods, sampling, and data analysis are crucial for the reproducibility and validity of the findings. 4) Significant and original contributions - This might be through presenting novel findings, offering new insights, or developing innovative methodologies. Originality and relevance to the field are key indicators of a valuable academic contribution. 5) Logical structure and clarity - the organization of the paper should be logical and coherent. Each section should flow seamlessly into the next, with clear and precise language that enhances understanding. 6) Critical analysis and interpretation - Beyond presenting data, a good paper critically analyzes and interprets the results. It should discuss the implications of the findings, acknowledge limitations, and suggest areas for future research. 7) Thorough literature review - A comprehensive review of relevant literature is essential for situating the research within the existing body of knowledge. And 8) impact and practical relevance - Finally, a good academic paper often has the potential to make an impact beyond the academic community.

“Academic writing is fascinating because it combines intellectual rigor with creativity, contributes to the advancement of knowledge, and engages with a vibrant scholarly community. The process of exploring new ideas, crafting compelling arguments, and making meaningful contributions to one’s field offers both personal satisfaction and a profound sense of purpose. Of course, working with colleagues is always a pleasure,” says Dr. Levin.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Georgios Antonios Margonis

Georgios Antonios Margonis is a senior scientist affiliated with the Department of Surgery at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He obtained his MD and PhD degrees from the University of Athens and moved to the United States in 2014. Since then, he has worked at Harvard University and the Johns Hopkins University prior to working at MSKCC and MIT. His clinical and research interests include hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases and soft tissue sarcomas. In particular, his work focuses on the use of biomarkers to guide surgical or medical treatment. Since 2020, he has been conducting research at the crossroads of artificial intelligence and oncology. Dr. Margonis has authored or co-authored more than 170 papers, and has received several national and international awards. Notable awards include the IHPBA Kenneth Warren award and the Johns Hopkins University Paul Ehrlich award for outstanding research achievements. Connect with him on X @Margonis_GA.

CCO: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?

Dr. Margonis: The essential elements of a well-structured academic paper include the originality of the research idea, the practical significance of the study, the use of high-quality data, and an unbiased, rigorous statistical analysis. Additionally, a good paper should be clearly and transparently written, acknowledging its limitations to provide a balanced and comprehensive view. More specifically, the novelty of the research is critical. Projects that replicate already published work contribute little to scientific progress. Researchers should ask themselves, “If my hypothesis is correct, will it change our perception or clinical practice?” If the answer is no, the research may not be worth conducting. The advancement of science depends on the introduction of new insights or offering novel interpretations of existing data. A paper’s value lies in how much it advances understanding or application in its field. Equally important is ensuring that the data are not only reliable but also capable of answering the specific scientific question. For instance, using a dataset with a short follow-up period in an oncological study where outcomes like recurrence take time to manifest may not be appropriate. In terms of statistical analysis, it is crucial for the researcher to have a deep understanding of the methods and, particularly, their limitations. Simply being able to run an analysis with statistical software does not guarantee that the correct method has been chosen for the problem at hand. Finally, the manuscript itself should follow an intuitive and logical structure, reflecting the researcher's thought process when starting the project. This includes having a clear and well-defined hypothesis and a structured approach to address the research question.

CCO: What authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?

In addition to the core qualities mentioned earlier, authors should consider several practical factors that can impact the integrity and readability of a scientific manuscript. First, conducting a thorough literature review is essential to understand the existing body of work and identify where their research fits. In the Methods section, authors must provide detailed descriptions of their procedures and analyses to ensure reproducibility. Furthermore, it is critical that all referenced work is properly cited to uphold academic integrity. Finally, authors should write with their target audience in mind. The tone, complexity, and level of explanation should be tailored to the intended readership, whether it’s a specialized audience or a broader one.

CCO: Data sharing is prevalent in scientific writing in recent years. Do you think it is crucial for authors to share their research data?

Yes, data sharing is essential in the scientific community. One of its key benefits is fostering transparency, as it allows other researchers to replicate findings using the same data and methods. This practice also enables independent verification and validation of results, which is crucial for building trust within the scientific community. Moreover, data sharing maximizes the utility of the data by allowing researchers beyond the original investigators to conduct new studies, potentially uncovering insights that extend beyond the scope of the initial research. For example, randomized controlled trial (RCT) data are highly valuable compared to real-world observational data, but conducting RCTs is often time-consuming and costly. If these datasets are shared, it would enable researchers with fewer resources to explore innovative ideas, thereby maximizing the scientific impact of the data.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Marcelo Antonini

Dr. Marcelo Antonini is a dedicated physician and researcher with affiliations at the IAMSPE and other healthcare institutions in São Paulo, Brazil. His research primarily focuses on breast cancer, particularly in the areas of surgical outcomes, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and screening for high-risk populations. Recently, he has led a breast cancer screening project for public service employees, examining early detection methods in alignment with FEBRASGO guidelines. He is also actively involved in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including studies comparing dose-dense AC regimens with conventional chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer. His work emphasizes real-world data to improve patient outcomes and inform clinical practice, contributing to publications and professional symposiums, such as the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and the Annals of Oncology Surgery. Additionally, he is a reviewer for BMC Cancer and is involved in academic teaching, focusing on nutrology and cancer prevention in women’s health. Follow Dr. Antonini on Instagram.

CCO: What are the essential elements of a good academic paper?

Dr. Antonini: A good academic paper should be clear and objective, allowing readers to understand its purpose, methods, and conclusions easily. The topic should be relevant, ideally addressing a gap in the literature or a current issue to advance scientific knowledge. A comprehensive, up-to-date literature review is essential to contextualize the topic and critically reference previous studies, showcasing the author’s understanding of the field and justifying the study.

The methodology must be rigorous and detailed, enabling replication. The research design should suit the objectives, and statistical analyses, if applicable, must be properly conducted and interpreted. Results should be critically analyzed, considering implications, limitations, and biases, and related to existing studies. Conclusions should be grounded on the data, with discussions on practical implications and future research directions.

A good paper also requires originality, whether through new methods, unique approaches, or challenging findings. High-quality references are crucial to support the argument, and adherence to ethical standards is mandatory. Lastly, careful writing and formatting ensure clarity and credibility, adhering to journal guidelines.

CCO: What authors have to bear in mind during preparation of a paper?

Dr. Antonini: When preparing a paper, authors should focus on key aspects to improve its quality and impact. First, identifying the target audience and selecting a suitable journal aligned with the research topic and scope are essential. Writing should be clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary jargon to communicate findings effectively to a broad audience.

A well-structured paper, following the standard organization (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion), is easier to understand. A thorough and recent literature review establishes context, identifies knowledge gaps, and justifies the study's purpose. The methodology must be robust and detailed enough for replication, with data accuracy and ethical considerations clearly addressed. Authors should critically analyze and interpret results within the context of existing literature, acknowledging any limitations.

Adherence to ethical standards and consistent referencing are crucial. Regular revision and openness to feedback enhance quality. Lastly, following submission guidelines demonstrates professionalism. Considering these elements can help authors prepare a rigorous, publishable scientific paper.

CCO: Data sharing is prevalent in scientific writing in recent years. Do you think it is crucial for authors to share their research data?

Dr. Antonini: Yes, sharing research data is essential for authors and the scientific community. It promotes transparency, enabling researchers to verify results, reproduce studies, and build on existing work, which strengthens the credibility and reliability of findings. Data sharing fosters collaboration and innovation by providing access to valuable datasets, often costly or time-consuming to gather.

Additionally, shared data can lead to new discoveries when different analytical methods or perspectives are applied. This practice minimizes redundancy, maximizes resource use, and aligns with ethical standards by respecting participants' contributions, ensuring broader impact. Many funding agencies and journals now require data sharing, underscoring its importance in modern research. Overall, data sharing is vital for advancing scientific knowledge, improving reproducibility, and fostering an open, collaborative research environment.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Tadahiko Shien

Prof. Tadahiko Shien, MD, PhD (PhD - surgical medicine), is the Director of the Breast and Endocrine Surgery Department at Okayama University Hospital and the Chairman of the JCOG Breast Cancer Study Group. He is a surgical oncologist researching the treatment strategy for de-novo stage IV breast cancer (PI of the JCOG1017 study) and oligometastasis. His clinical and research interests primarily focus on breast surgical oncology, tumor biology, clinical trials, and translational research. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Japan Surgical Society (JSS), Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO), Japan Breast Cancer Society (JBCS), Japan Society of Medical Oncology (JSMO), and Japan Association of Endocrine Surgery (JAES), and is a council member of Breast Surgery International (BSI) and Japan Oncoplastic Breast Surgery Society (JOPBS).

A good academic paper, from Prof. Shien’s perspective, is one that seriously attempts to resolve even the smallest of questions, and that gives the readers the seeds for new research.

Even as an experienced writer, Prof. Shien expresses that academic writing is not without difficulties. He explains, “The fact that they are written in a language that is not my native tongue means that we can't use delicate expressions. Also, because of the differences in clinical medical backgrounds, it is difficult to convey the importance and value of a paper sometimes.”

Nevertheless, Prof. Shien believes that academic writing is a fascinating experience due to “the fact that we can share our clinical questions and the way we try to solve them with people all over the world and gain their sympathy.”

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)