Announcements

We are delighted to share some of the most viewed papers in the “Cancer Drug Development” Section that were published in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) in 2024. In addition, a few Special Issues on this topic are open for submission. The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that may be of interest to you.

The list of relevant papers can be seen below:

“Antibody–Drug Conjugates: The Dynamic Evolution from Conventional to Next-Generation Constructs”
by Virginia Metrangolo and Lars H. Engelholm
Cancers 2024, 16(2), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020447
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/2/447

“The Anticancer Application of Delivery Systems for Honokiol and Magnolol”
by Katarzyna Dominiak, Aleksandra Gostyńska, Michał Szulc and Maciej Stawny
Cancers 2024, 16(12), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16122257
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/12/2257

“Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Urothelial Cancer: From Scientific Rationale to Clinical Development”
by Whi-An Kwon, Seo-Yeon Lee, Tae Yoong Jeong, Hyeon Hoe Kim and Min-Kyung Lee
Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2420; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132420
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/13/2420

“The Microbiome Modulates the Immune System to Influence Cancer Therapy”
by Ruchi Roy and Sunil Kumar Singh
Cancers 2024, 16(4), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040779
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/4/779

“Oligometastasis of Gastric Cancer: A Review”
by Itaru Yasufuku, Hiroshi Tsuchiya, Seito Fujibayashi, Naoki Okumura, Yuki Sengoku, Masahiro Fukada, Ryuichi Asai, Yuta Sato, Jesse Yu Tajima, Shigeru Kiyama et al.
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030673
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/3/673

Special Issues:

“Radiopharmaceuticals for Cancers” Guest Editors: Dr. Joseph Lau and Dr. Hwan Lee Submission deadline: 30 October 2025	“Advances in Drug Repurposing to Overcome Cancers” Guest Editor: Dr. Rafal Bartoszewski Submission deadline: 30 August 2025
“Research on New Drugs and Drug Targets in Melanoma” Guest Editors: Dr. Paula Wróblewska Łuczka and Dr. Nicolas Dumaz Submission deadline: 20 August 2025	“Development of Biomarkers and Antineoplastic Drugs in Solid Tumors” Guest Editors: Dr. Rosa Falcone, Dr. Sofia Verkhovskaia and Dr. Michela Roberto Submission deadline: 31 July 2025

You are invited to view and submit relevant papers to the journal Cancers at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers.

Cancers Editorial Office

We are delighted to share some of the most viewed papers in “Transplant Oncology” Section that were published in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) in 2024. In addition, a few Special Issues on this topic are open for submission. The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that may be of interest to you.

The list of relevant papers can be seen below:

“Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors”
by Nicola De Stefano, Damiano Patrono, Fabio Colli, Giorgia Rizza, Gianluca Paraluppi and Renato Romagnoli
Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2374; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132374
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/13/2374

“Systemic Treatment of Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Trial”
by Vera Himmelsbach, Matthias Jeschke, Christian M. Lange, Bernhard Scheiner, Matthias Pinter, Friedrich Sinner, Marino Venerito, Alexander Queck, Jörg Trojan, Oliver Waidmann et al.
Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132442
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/13/2442

”Challenges in Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review of Current Controversies”
by Ezequiel Mauro, Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli, Gabrielle Jutras, Raquel Garcia, Alexandre Soler Perromat, Neus Llarch, Victor Holguin Arce, Pablo Ruiz , Jordi Rimola, Eva Lopez et al.
Cancers 2024, 16(17), 3059; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16173059
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/17/3059

”Stem Cell Mobilization Performed with Different Doses of Cytarabine in Plasma Cell Myeloma Patients Relapsing after Previous Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation—A Multicenter Report by the Polish Myeloma Study Group”
by Joanna Drozd-Sokołowska, Anna Waszczuk-Gajda, Magdalena Topczewska, Martyna Maciejewska, Magdalena Dutka, Jan Maciej Zaucha, Anna Szmigielska-Kapłon, Mateusz Nowicki, Magdalena Olszewska-Szopa, Agnieszka Szeremet et al.
Cancers 2024, 16(14), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16142588
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/14/2588

”Evaluation of Subclinical Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Echocardiography Study”
by Audrone Vaitiekiene, Migle Kulboke, Monika Bieseviciene, Austeja Kaunaite, Auste Markeviciute, Agne Bartnykaite, Benas Kireilis, Diana Rinkuniene, Antanas Jankauskas, Ignas Gaidamavicius et al.
Cancers 2024, 16(22), 3808; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16223808
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/22/3808

Special Issues

“Neuroendocrine Tumor Treatment in the Era of Transplant Oncology” Guest Editors: Dr. Eliano Bonaccorsi-Riani, Dr. Emmanouil Giorgakis and Dr. Emmanouil Giorgakis Submission deadline: 30 June 2025	“Liver Resection and Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma” Guest Editor: Dr. Satoshi Ogiso Submission deadline: 25 July 2025
“Current Use of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Hematologic Malignancies” Guest Editors: Dr. Marina Díaz-Beyá and Dr. Maria Queralt Salas Submission deadline: 30 September 2025	“Advances and Future Developments in Liver Transplantation for Cancers: 2nd Edition” Guest Editor: Dr. Nicolas Golse Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

You are invited to view and submit relevant papers to Cancers using the following link:
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers.

Cancers Editorial Office

We are delighted to share some of the most viewed papers in the “Cancer Therapy” Section that were published in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) in 2024. In addition, a few Special Issues on this topic are open for submission. The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that may be of interest to you.

The list of relevant papers can be seen below:

“Impact of Complex Apoptotic Signaling Pathways on Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Therapy”
by Ryungsa Kim, Takanori Kin and William T. Beck
Cancers 2024, 16(5), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16050984
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/5/984

“Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Prognostic Assessment of Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review”
by Filippo Lococo, Galal Ghaly, Marco Chiappetta, Sara Flamini, Jessica Evangelista, Emilio Bria, Alessio Stefani, Emanuele Vita, Antonella Martino, Luca Boldrini et al.
Cancers 2024, 16(10), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16101832
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/10/1832

“Next-Generation HER2-Targeted Antibody–Drug Conjugates in Breast Cancer”
by Brittney S. Zimmerman and Francisco J. Esteva
Cancers 2024, 16(4), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040800
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/4/800

“Therapies for the Treatment of Advanced/Metastatic Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Current Situation and Future Directions”
by Rohan Kalyan Rej, Joyeeta Roy and Srinivasa Rao Allu
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 552; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030552
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/3/552

“Current State of Melanoma Therapy and Next Steps: Battling Therapeutic Resistance”
by Anna Fateeva, Kevinn Eddy and Suzie Chen
Cancers 2024, 16(8), 1571; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081571
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/8/1571

Special Issues:

“Multimodal Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer” Guest Editor: Dr. Cosimo Sperti Submission deadline: 31 July 2025	“Advancing Horizons in Colorectal Surgery: Innovative Approaches and Outcomes” Guest Editors: Dr. Petros I. Bangeas and Prof. Dr. Vasileios N. Papadopoulos Submission deadline: 31 August 2025
“Research on Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Management and Treatment” Guest Editor: Dr. Ernyu Tan Submission deadline: 15 August 2025	“New Approaches in Radiotherapy for Cancer” Guest Editors: Dr. Dandan Zheng, Dr. Alexander Podgorsak and Dr. Olga Maria Dona Lemus Submission deadline: 15 July 2025

You are invited to view and submit relevant papers to the journal Cancers at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers.

Cancers Editorial Office

We are pleased to announce that eight new scholars have been appointed as Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694), joining in May 2025. We wish our new members success in both their research and their efforts to develop the journal.

Further details about the Editorial Board of Cancers can be found by clicking the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers/editors.

Cancers is recruiting scholars from around the world to join our Editorial Board. To apply for membership, recommend potential candidates, or request further information, please contact the Cancers Editorial Office and provide the following files:

• A full academic CV;
• A short cover letter that details your interest in the position.

We are delighted to share some of the most viewed papers in the “Infectious Agents and Cancer” Section that were published in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) in 2024. In addition, a few Special Issues on this topic are open for submission. The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that may be of interest to you.

The list of relevant papers can be seen below:

“Epigenetic Mechanisms in Latent Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Associated Cancers”
by Atharva S. Torne and Erle S. Robertson
Cancers 2024, 16(5), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16050991
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/5/991

“Cancer and HIV: The Molecular Mechanisms of the Deadly Duo”
by Aadilah Omar, Natasia Marques and Nicole Crawford
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030546
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/3/546

“Precision Medicine for Nasopharyngeal Cancer—A Review of Current Prognostic Strategies”
by Luvita Suryani, Hazel P. Y. Lee, Wei Keat Teo, Zhi Kang Chin, Kwok Seng Loh and Joshua K. Tay
Cancers 2024, 16(5), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16050918
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/5/918

“Activation of Epstein–Barr Virus’ Lytic Cycle in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by NEO212, a Conjugate of Perillyl Alcohol and Temozolomide”
by Hannah Hartman-Houstman, Steve Swenson, Radu O. Minea, Uttam K. Sinha, Ming-Fu Chiang, Thomas C. Chen and Axel H. Schönthal
Cancers 2024, 16(5), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16050936
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/5/936

“PAX1/JAM3 Methylation and HPV Viral Load in Women with Persistent HPV Infection”
by Mingzhu Li, Chao Zhao, Xiaobo Zhang, Jingran Li, Yun Zhao, Wei Zhang, Lihua Ren and Lihui Wei
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071430
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/7/1430

Special Issues:

You are invited to view and submit relevant papers to Cancers using the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers.

Cancers Editorial Office

We are delighted to share some editor’s choice articles related to methods and technologies development that were published in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) in 2024. In addition, some Special Issues on this topic are open for submission. The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that we believe will interest you.

“Evolution of Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Imaging in Thoracic Surgery”
by Toyofumi Fengshi Chen-Yoshikawa
Cancers 2024, 16(11), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16112161
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/11/2161

“Statistical Analysis of Gastric Cancer Cells Response to Broadband Terahertz Radiation with and without Contrast Nanoparticles”
by Oliver Daniel Schreiner, Diana Socotar, Romeo Cristian Ciobanu, Thomas Gabriel Schreiner and Bogdan Ionel Tamba
Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2454; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132454
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/13/2454

“Early 2-Factor Transcription Factors Associated with Progression and Recurrence in Bevacizumab-Responsive Subtypes of Glioblastoma”
by Jian Shi
Cancers 2024, 16(14), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16142536
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/14/2536

“Multiparametric Ultrasound for Focal Testicular Pathology: A Ten-Year Retrospective Review”
by Dean Y. Huang, Majed Alsadiq, Gibran T. Yusuf, Annamaria Deganello, Maria E. Sellars and Paul S. Sidhu
Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132309
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/13/2309

“SIR-EN—New Biomarker for Identifying Patients at Risk of Endometrial Carcinoma in Abnormal Uterine Bleeding at Menopause”
by Carlo Ronsini, Irene Iavarone, Maria Giovanna Vastarella, Luigi Della Corte, Giada Andreoli, Giuseppe Bifulco, Luigi Cobellis and Pasquale De Franciscis
Cancers 2024, 16(21), 3567; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16213567
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/21/3567

“Raman Spectroscopy for Instant Bladder Tumor Diagnosis: System Development and In Vivo Proof-Of-Principle Study in Accordance with the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR2017/745)”
by Ines Latka, Karin Mogensen, Florian Knorr, Cansu Kuzucu, Florian Windirsch, Dragan Sandic, Jürgen Popp, Gregers G. Hermann and Iwan W. Schie
Cancers 2024, 16(18), 3238; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16183238
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/18/3238

Special Issues:

You are invited to view and submit relevant papers to Cancers using the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers.

Cancers Editorial Office

We are delighted to share some editor’s choice articles related to cancer informatics and big data that were published in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) in 2024. In addition, some Special Issues on this topic are open for submission. The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that we believe will interest you.

“Non-Insulin Antidiabetic Agents and Lung Cancer Risk in Drug-Naive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study”
by Tomasz Tabernacki, Lindsey Wang, David C. Kaelber, Rong Xu and Nathan A. Berger
Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2377; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132377
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/13/2377

“Deep Learning Model for Predicting Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence from Whole Slide Images”
by Ziyu Su, Usman Afzaal, Shuo Niu, Margarita Munoz de Toro, Fei Xing, Jimmy Ruiz, Metin N. Gurcan, Wencheng Li and M. Khalid Khan Niazi
Cancers 2024, 16(17), 3097; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16173097
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/17/3097

“Real-World Clinical Utility of Targeted RNA Sequencing in Leukemia Diagnosis and Management”
by Seo Wan Kim, Namsoo Kim, Yu Jeong Choi, Seung-Tae Lee, Jong Rak Choi and Saeam Shin
Cancers 2024, 16(13), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16132467
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/13/2467

“Region of Interest Detection in Melanocytic Skin Tumor Whole Slide Images—Nevus and Melanoma”
by Yi Cui, Yao Li, Jayson R. Miedema, Sharon N. Edmiston, Sherif W. Farag, James Stephen Marron and Nancy E. Thomas
Cancers 2024, 16(15), 2616; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152616
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/15/2616

“Molecular Analysis of Salivary and Lacrimal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma”
by Sarah Powell, Karina Kulakova, Katie Hanratty, Rizwana Khan, Paula Casserly, John Crown, Naomi Walsh and Susan Kennedy
Cancers 2024, 16(16), 2868; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16162868
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/16/2868

Special Issues:

You are invited to view and submit relevant papers to Cancers using the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/cancers.

Cancers Editorial Office

We are delighted to share some editor’s choice articles related to molecular cancer biology that were published in Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) in 2024. In addition, some Special Issues on this topic are open for submission. The following is a list of articles and Special Issues that we believe will interest you.

“Ocular Surface Side Effects of Novel Anticancer Drugs”
by Livio Vitiello, Filippo Lixi, Giulia Coco and Giuseppe Giannaccare
Cancers 2024, 16(2), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16020344
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/2/344

“Transcription Factors and Markers Related to Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Their Role in Resistance to Therapies in Head and Neck Cancers”
by Marta Pawlicka, Ewelina Gumbarewicz, Ewa Błaszczak and Andrzej Stepulak
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071354
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/7/1354

“Molecular Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer Development in the Precision Medicine Era: A Comprehensive Review”
by Shigekatsu Maekawa, Ryo Takata and Wataru Obara
Cancers 2024, 16(3), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16030523
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/3/523

“Revolutionizing Treatment: Breakthrough Approaches for BCG-Unresponsive Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer”
by Maciej Jaromin, Tomasz Konecki and Piotr Kutwin
Cancers 2024, 16(7), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16071366
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/7/1366

“Advancements in Circulating Tumor Cell Research: Bridging Biology and Clinical Applications”
by Philip Salu and Katie M. Reindl
Cancers 2024, 16(6), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16061213
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/6/1213

“CD44: A New Prognostic Marker in Colorectal Cancer?”
by Pina Ziranu, Andrea Pretta, Valentina Aimola, Flaviana Cau, Stefano Mariani, Alessandra Pia D’Agata, Claudia Codipietro, Daiana Rizzo, Veronica Dell’Utri, Giorgia Sanna et al.
Cancers 2024, 16(8), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16081569
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/8/1569

Special Issues:

“The Genomic Landscape of Gynecological Cancers”
Guest Editor: Dr. Tong Sun
Submission deadline: 1 October 2025

“Childhood Cancer in the Genomic Era: Experimental and Theoretical Approaches (2nd Edition)”
Guest Editor: Dr. George I. Lambrou
Submission deadline: 31 October 2025

“The Biology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Genomic and Immune Therapies (2nd Edition)”
Guest Editor: Prof. Dr. Naoshi Nishida
Submission deadline: 31 January 2026

“Novel Strategies to Fight Metastatic Breast Cancer”
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Fernando Schmitt and Prof. Dr. Nuno Vale
Submission deadline: 31 March 2026

Conference: Canadian Breast Cancer Symposium 2025
Date: 19–20 June 2025
Location: Hilton Downtown Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Learn about the latest research innovations and clinical updates that are changing the trajectory of care at the Canadian Breast Cancer Symposium. Taking a truly multidisciplinary approach, world-class experts share knowledge spanning surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, and primary care. Researchers also share innovative therapies and evidence-based approaches that can be translated into surgical and clinical practice.

The following MDPI journals will be presented:

• Current Oncology;
• Cancers;
• IJTM;
• Onco;
• Diseases;
• Women;
• Vaccines;
• Targets;
• Medical Sciences;
• Surgeries;
• Therapeutics;
• Immuno;
• Tomography;
• Clinics and Practice.

Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at the booth at the conference and answering any questions you may have. For more information regarding the conference, please visit the following link: https://www.breastsymposium.ca/.

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research topic to our readers?
I have been working as a consultant surgeon since 2010 and as a consultant oncological surgeon since 2013. I successfully defended my doctoral dissertation in 2009. My current research topics include: the combined treatment of rectal cancer, HIPEC in gastric cancer, lymph node ratio as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow, and many more. Since 2024, I have participated in the Clinical Scholars Research Training conducted by Harvard Medical School. Consequently, I gained deep insight into advanced clinical trial design, complex statistical analysis, and machine learning.

2. What criteria do you consider most important when evaluating a manuscript?
When I assess a manuscript, I evaluate two main factors: novelty and scientific soundness. First, I check how the results contribute to the existing body of knowledge and whether the references include current literature on the analyzed topic. Next, I thoroughly analyze the methodology of the study. I verify the appropriateness of the statistical tests, as well as primary and secondary outcomes. Moreover, I pay attention to the power of statistical analysis. I check whether the results are adjusted for potential confounders in cohort studies or if the analysis takes into account potential effect modifiers. Finally, I verify whether conclusions are drawn based on the results obtained.

3. As a reviewer, how do you balance encouraging research innovation with the strict requirements for methodological reliability? Could you give an example?
I always appreciate innovations in studies. On the other hand, not all creative solutions are potentially of clinical value. First, I assess the pragmatic implementation of the innovative results. In my opinion, innovative research should be accompanied by exceptional methodological quality. Therefore, before publishing manuscripts on novel diagnostic or therapeutic methods, the study design and proper statistical analysis should be verified.

4. Beyond “error correction”, what unique value do you think excellent peer review brings to the academic community?
Peer review supports the editors in evaluating manuscripts. The main purpose of peer review is to provide comments that enhance the quality of scientific papers. It helps to identify and reject papers that lack scientific soundness and contain serious methodological flaws. Excellent reviewers promote originality and relevance, effectively acting as gatekeepers of quality and innovation. In addition, peer review helps build trust among scholars by ensuring that published research is credible, transparent, and reproducible.

5. In your research career, have you had an experience where reviewers’ feedback led to a research breakthrough?
Frankly speaking, I do not remember such a situation. However, several times, reviewers’ feedback led to a substantially improved manuscript quality. The papers were finally published and recognized by the academic community. I guess that there is the possibility that constructive critiques can lead to better-structured and more impactful papers, and foster discoveries based on data presented in the original paper.

6. How do you view the role of a reviewer in shaping the quality and integrity of published research?
In my opinion, the most important aspect of peer review is that, by critically evaluating submissions, reviewers help maintain the scientific and intellectual credibility of journals and disciplines. Through their judgments on significance, reviewers influence what kind of research is valued and supported. They also assess ethical issues within manuscripts and may identify potential plagiarism or data manipulation.

7. What advice would you give to early career researchers who want to become strong peer reviewers?
I recommend that early career researchers become acquainted with epidemiology, the design of clinical trials, and cohort studies, and a broad spectrum of statistical methods implemented in the analysis of study results. Reading the peer reviews, they receive on their papers can also be highly instructive for preparing valuable feedback. Moreover, reading widely helps to recognize novelty, assess relevance, and spot gaps or redundancies in evaluated papers. Finally, peer review enables you to sharpen your own critical thinking and build your academic reputation over time.