The Philippine Journal of Oncology: A New Dawn in Cancer Research Publication for Filipinos
By Susano B. Tanael Jr,
Editor-in-Chief
As the sun rises over the archipelago, so does the dawn of a new era in Filipino oncology publication—a renaissance marked by the revival of the Philippine Journal of Oncology (PJO). This significant revival is not just a return to tradition but a bold step forward, promising to be a source of innovation and discovery for seasoned oncologists and budding researchers nationwide. It’s a moment of pride and excitement for all of us in the field of oncology.
Resurrecting a Legacy
The resurrection of the PJO has been a journey fraught with challenges. Among the most significant was the scarcity of research articles, the lifeblood of any scientific journal. The quest for qualified peer reviewers added to this complexity, often leading us to seek out methodologists who, while not necessarily oncologists, brought the rigorous analytical skills needed to uphold the journal’s high standards. This creative solution, though time-consuming, was a testament to our unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of the PJO, reassuring our readers of the journal’s high standards.
But the question remained: How do we cultivate a steady stream of valuable research? The answer lay in broadening our horizons. Beyond the traditional clinical research and case studies, we recognized the wealth of untapped potential within the entire field of oncology. Operational and process effectiveness research and supportive oncology—encompassing pain management, nutrition, symptom control, and even spiritual care—began to take shape as vital components of our content pipeline. We envisioned a journal that chronicled clinical outcomes and embraced the holistic journey of cancer care.
A Vision for the Future
The PJO is more than a collection of research articles; it is a dynamic platform where science, art, and practical knowledge converge to advance the field of oncology. Our vision for the journal’s future is one that bridges the gap between research and practice, creating a seamless integration of scholarly output into patient care. This concept of ‘Clinical Bridging‘ is central to our mission. It is the deliberate process of translating complex research into practical clinical decisions, inspiring and motivating us to advance the field of oncology.
To this end, we are expanding our content offerings, creating a diverse and dynamic platform for oncology discourse. Our future issues will feature:
- Brief Articles: These articles provide concise and focused discussions on specific oncology topics. They provide a snapshot of current issues, emerging trends, or critical updates in the field. They aim to deliver essential information quickly, offering readers an efficient way to stay informed.
- Case Reports: Detailed explorations of unique or rare cases, shedding light on diagnostic challenges and innovative treatment approaches.
- Clinical Bridging Articles: These articles will directly connect research evidence and academic output to clinical practice, offering strategies for implementing the latest findings in real-world patient care.
- Clinical Outcomes Research Articles: These articles analyze patient outcomes from various treatments and interventions and provide evidence-based insights into the effectiveness of different oncology practices.
- Editorials: These pieces will guide readers through the evolving landscape of oncology by setting the tone and highlighting the significance of each issue.
- Oncollaborate Research Articles: A unique space where oncologists convert conference proceedings into fully developed research articles, bridging the gap between academic discourse and practical application.
- Oncological Verses and Visuals: A collection of contemporary poems or biblical verses, alongside visual arts, that resonate deeply with the themes of cancer care, offering comfort, reflection, and inspiration for patients and caregivers alike.
- Operational/Process Effectiveness Research Articles: These articles will explore how healthcare processes and systems can be optimized to improve patient care and resource management within oncology.
- Supportive Oncology Research Articles: Focusing on the broader aspects of cancer care, these articles will cover pain management, nutrition, symptom control, and psychosocial support, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient well-being.
- Visual Abstracts: Infographics that distill key findings into visually engaging summaries, making complex research accessible at a glance.
Applied Arts and Knowledge Translation
We also recognize the power of the arts in healthcare. The PJO will serve as a platform for applied arts such as poetry, narrative writing, and visual arts that are directly relevant to the experiences of cancer patients and their families. These contributions will add a unique dimension to our journal, offering readers a way to connect emotionally and spiritually with the content. By integrating literary and visual arts, we aim to create a journal that speaks to the mind and heart.
In addition, we are committed to advancing knowledge translation approaches. This involves transforming complex research findings into practical tools and strategies clinicians can use in everyday practice. We will explore methodologies for converting conference proceedings into research articles, ensuring that the knowledge shared in these forums is preserved and disseminated widely. This approach will make the latest insights and discoveries accessible to a broader audience, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.
Paving the Way for Innovation
But our ambitions continue beyond there. The PJO is poised to become a hub for innovation in the Philippines and the global oncology community. We aim to be SCOPUS-indexed—a lofty goal that we are determined to achieve. By collaborating with training hospitals and recent graduates from across the provinces, we are building a robust network of contributors who will propel Filipino oncology onto the world stage.
We are also exploring new avenues for engagement, from podcasts and social media integration to patient resources and career centers. Each element of the PJO is designed to serve a purpose: educating the next generation of oncologists, supporting patients on their journey, or fostering a community of inquiry and collaboration.
A Call to Discovery
The resurrection of the Philippine Journal of Oncology is not just a return to publication; it is a call to discovery. It is an invitation to every Filipino oncologist, researcher, and healthcare professional to join us on this journey—to explore the uncharted territories of cancer research, share their insights and experiences, and contribute to a legacy that will shape the future of oncology in our nation.
As we turn the page on this new chapter, we are hopeful and anticipate what lies ahead. The PJO is more than a journal; it is a movement that seeks to illuminate the path toward a brighter, healthier future for all Filipinos.