Editorial Process

Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine (CSMM) follows a structured editorial process for every manuscript, from submission through to publication.

Step 1: Manuscript Submission

Authors submit their manuscript through the journal's online submission system, prepared in accordance with the Author Guidelines, including all required statements (Conflict of Interest, Funding, Data Availability, AI Use Declaration, and Ethical Approval/Informed Consent where applicable).

Step 2: Initial Evaluation

The Editor-in-Chief or a designated handling editor evaluates the manuscript for originality, scientific soundness, language quality, and fit with the journal's aims and scope. Manuscripts that do not meet these baseline criteria are rejected at this stage.

Step 3: Plagiarism Screening

Manuscripts passing initial evaluation are screened using iThenticate, in accordance with the Plagiarism Policy.

Step 4: Language Assessment

Where language quality issues are identified, the manuscript may be returned to the authors for language editing, per the English Language Editing policy, before proceeding further.

Step 5: Peer Review

Manuscripts are sent to a minimum of two independent referees under double-blind review, per the Peer Review Policy and Peer Review Process.

Step 6: Editorial Decision

Based on reviewer reports, the Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision to accept, reject, or request revisions.

Step 7: Revision (if applicable)

Authors revise the manuscript and provide a point-by-point response to reviewer comments. This may be repeated across multiple rounds until reviewers and editors are satisfied.

Step 8: Final Acceptance and APC

Once the manuscript meets all scientific and editorial requirements, it is formally accepted. The applicable Article Processing Charge (or an approved waiver) is confirmed at this stage.

Step 9: Copyediting and Proofing

Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting for grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Galley proofs are sent to the corresponding author for final approval.

Step 10: Publication

The final article is published online under the journal's CC BY 4.0 license, assigned a Crossref DOI, and made freely accessible.

Step 11: Post-Publication

Published articles are preserved via the PKP Preservation Network. Any subsequently identified errors or ethical concerns are handled under the Corrections and Retractions and Misconduct and Sanctions policies.

Typical Timeline

The complete process, from submission to first editorial decision, typically takes 12–14 weeks.