Peer Review

International Journal of Molecular Oncology (IJMO) 

The International Journal of Molecular Oncology (IJMO) is committed to upholding rigorous, transparent, and ethical peer review to ensure the publication of high-quality, scientifically sound research. Peer review is an essential component of scholarly publishing and helps maintain the integrity and credibility of the scientific record. 

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Peer Review Model 

IJMO follows a double-blind peer review process, in which: 

  • The identities of authors are hidden from reviewers 

  • The identities of reviewers are hidden from authors 

This approach reduces bias and ensures fair and objective evaluation of all submitted manuscripts. 

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Peer Review Process 

  1. Initial Editorial Assessment 

  • Manuscripts are first reviewed by the editorial office for relevance, originality, and compliance with journal guidelines. 

  • Manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s criteria may be rejected without external review. 

  1. Reviewer Assignment 

  • Each manuscript is sent to two or more independent experts in the relevant field. 

  • Reviewers are selected based on expertise and absence of conflicts of interest. 

  1. Reviewer Evaluation 
    Reviewers assess manuscripts for: 

  • Scientific validity, novelty, and originality 

  • Accuracy of data and analysis 

  • Ethical compliance (human/animal research, informed consent) 

  • Clarity, organization, and presentation 

  • Relevance to molecular oncology and cancer genomics 

  1. Reviewer Recommendations 
    Reviewers provide recommendations, typically: 

  • Accept without revision 

  • Accept with minor revisions 

  • Major revisions required 

  • Reject 

  1. Editorial Decision 

  • The final decision rests with the editor-in-chief or handling editor. 

  • Decisions are communicated to authors along with reviewer feedback. 

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Reviewer Responsibilities 

Reviewers are expected to: 

  • Treat all manuscripts as confidential 

  • Avoid using information from manuscripts for personal advantage 

  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest 

  • Provide constructive, unbiased, and timely feedback 

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Author Responsibilities 

Authors are expected to: 

  • Respond to reviewer comments thoroughly and professionally 

  • Submit revised manuscripts within the requested timeline 

  • Maintain honesty and transparency in data and reporting 

  • Avoid simultaneous submission to multiple journals 

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Transparency and Integrity 

  • Manuscripts are screened for plagiarism and ethical compliance. 

  • All peer review reports and editorial decisions are documented and archived. 

  • Ethical concerns identified during review are promptly investigated. 

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Appeals 

Authors may submit a formal appeal if they believe the manuscript was unfairly evaluated. Appeals are reviewed objectively and handled confidentially by the editorial team. 

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Timeline 

  • Initial editorial decisions are typically provided within 3–4 weeks. 

  • Final decisions are generally made within 6–8 weeks, depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity. 

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Commitment 

The International Journal of Molecular Oncology is dedicated to ensuring fair, ethical, and high-quality peer review, supporting the publication of reliable, reproducible, and impactful research in molecular oncology and precision medicine.