JCGB Aims & Scope

Curating rigorous, cross-disciplinary research that transforms cancer genetics and biomarker discovery into precision oncology breakthroughs.

• Translational Impact: JCGB seeks research that connects molecular mechanisms to measurable patient outcomes, therapeutic pathways, or preventive strategies.
• Methodological Excellence: We prioritise studies employing rigorous analytics, orthogonal validation, and transparent reporting that enables replication across laboratories and clinics.
• Innovation in Detection and Monitoring: Manuscripts should reveal biomarkers or diagnostic systems that enhance early detection, assess residual disease, or anticipate resistance.
• Global and Ethical Responsibility: We value investigations addressing underrepresented populations, ethical frameworks for genomic stewardship, and strategies to reduce disparities in precision oncology.
• Collaborative Science: JCGB highlights research born from cross-sector alliances—spanning academia, healthcare systems, biopharma, regulators, and patient advocacy groups.

Understanding how malignancies emerge and adapt is foundational to targeted interventions. JCGB publishes research on germline predisposition, somatic mutation landscapes, chromothripsis, mutational signatures, DNA repair deficiencies, and chromatin remodeling. We seek studies that integrate genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics to elucidate oncogenic pathways, lineage relationships, and subclonal evolution. Submissions may include comparative analyses of primary versus metastatic lesions, longitudinal profiling of treatment response, or cross-species models illuminating conserved mechanisms.

Cancer biomarkers underpin risk assessment, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy monitoring. JCGB invites manuscripts covering multi-tier validation—from in silico discovery through analytical and clinical validation and, where relevant, regulatory qualification. Areas of emphasis include circulating tumor DNA, cellular-free RNA species, extracellular vesicles, metabolic signatures, imaging biomarkers, and multiplex immunophenotyping. We encourage studies detailing assay reproducibility, reference ranges, clinical utility, cost-effectiveness, and integration into care pathways.

Precision therapy is a dynamic interplay between molecular profiling and real-time treatment optimisation. JCGB publishes work linking genomic alterations to therapy selection, resistance mechanisms, adaptive trial designs, and combination strategies. This domain encompasses kinase inhibitors, immunotherapies, cell therapies, synthetic lethality approaches, radiosensitization strategies, and pharmacogenomic insights informing dosing or toxicity mitigation. Manuscripts may include correlative science from clinical trials, N-of-1 case studies, or computational models that simulate therapeutic outcomes based on multi-omic inputs.

Cancer behaviour is shaped by its microenvironment. JCGB’s scope includes analyses of immune cell infiltration, cytokine networks, microbiome interactions, stromal remodeling, angiogenesis, and metabolic competition. Studies that characterise tumor immune evasion, immune checkpoint modulation, and neoantigen presentation are highly valued. We support submissions employing spatial transcriptomics, multiplex imaging, metabolomics, and systems biology to reveal how microenvironmental cues influence biomarker expression and therapy response.

Computational innovations drive discovery at scale. JCGB publishes machine learning algorithms, predictive models, knowledge graphs, and decision-support tools that integrate genomics, proteomics, pathology, imaging, wearable data, and electronic health records. Priority is placed on methods demonstrating interpretability, clinical relevance, bias mitigation, and adherence to data governance best practices. We encourage manuscripts discussing data harmonisation, federated learning across institutions, and privacy-preserving analytics for sensitive genomic data.

Non-invasive approaches redefine cancer care by enabling continuous disease surveillance. JCGB’s scope features studies on circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA and RNA, exosomes, platelets, and metabolite-based assays. Research should address analytical sensitivity, specificity, longitudinal tracking, harmonisation across platforms, and integration into clinical workflows. We particularly welcome manuscripts comparing liquid biopsy results with tissue-based profiling, as well as those demonstrating real-world implementation in screening, minimal residual disease assessment, and recurrence monitoring.

Complex diseases demand holistic views. JCGB supports submissions integrating genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and radiomics to generate comprehensive tumour atlases. We encourage cross-cohort meta-analyses, pan-cancer comparisons, and network-based approaches that identify master regulators, synthetic lethal interactions, or lineage plasticity drivers. Manuscripts should articulate how integrated datasets inform therapeutic hypotheses, biomarker panels, or patient stratification frameworks.

Precision oncology must reach patients efficiently and ethically. JCGB publishes pragmatic clinical trials, real-world evidence studies, implementation science, decision-analysis models, and policy-focused research that highlight barriers and enablers to biomarker adoption. Topics include reimbursement pathways, laboratory accreditation, electronic decision support, patient-reported outcomes, and workforce training. We encourage comparative studies across healthcare systems, rural/urban contexts, and resource-limited settings to promote equitable access.

With great data comes great responsibility. JCGB’s scope encompasses frameworks for informed consent, data sovereignty, community engagement, and culturally competent genomic counseling. We seek analyses addressing algorithmic bias, sustainable biobanking, cross-border data transfer, and benefit sharing with historically underrepresented communities. Manuscripts that evaluate policy implications of germline screening, newborn genomic testing, or gene editing are also welcome.

Authors may consider the following keywords and topics to align submissions with JCGB’s discoverability framework:

JCGB welcomes proposals that align with the scope domains described above. Special issues should demonstrate clear objectives, timeliness, expert guest editors, and a recruitment plan that fosters diversity in geography, gender, and career stage. Visit the Proposing a Special Issue page for guidance on structuring proposals, timelines, and APC considerations.

Before submission, confirm:

• Your manuscript directly addresses at least one JCGB scope domain with explicit mention in the abstract and keywords.
• Experimental design includes validation strategies (technical replicates, orthogonal methods, independent cohorts, or computational benchmarks).
• You have documented ethical approvals, consent procedures, and data management plans.
• Figures, tables, and supplemental files provide full transparency for reanalysis.
• Your discussion articulates translational relevance, implementation considerations, or policy implications.

JCGB is not the ideal venue for manuscripts that:

• Focus exclusively on preclinical drug screening without genomic or biomarker context.
• Lack novel insight into cancer-specific mechanisms or biomarker performance.
• Do not provide adequate statistical power, validation, or reproducibility evidence.
• Report purely descriptive case studies lacking molecular analysis or translational inference.

We encourage authors to complement JCGB submissions with related datasets, toolkits, or policy briefs. Consider linking to:

• Data Archiving Permissions for guidance on repository selection.
• Language Editing Service if you require editorial support for clarity and consistency.
• JCGB Membership options that streamline APC management for research consortia.

Last updated: September 2025. JCGB revisits its scope annually to ensure alignment with emerging scientific discoveries, technological advances, and community needs.