Announcements

A welcome message from the Chair:

The management of breast cancer continues to evolve rapidly, driven by advances in clinical research and emerging treatment options. Staying aligned with current evidence-based standards is essential to ensuring consistent, high-quality care across Canada.

Join us for a clinician-focused webinar exploring Canadian best practices and the National Clinical Consensus Recommendations developed by REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance. These annually updated guidelines are produced through a structured, multidisciplinary process that integrates national expertise and the latest clinical trial evidence to support best practices in breast cancer care delivery.

This session will provide an overview of current consensus recommendations across key disease settings, including the following:

• HER2-positive breast cancer;
• HR-positive early-stage breast cancer;
• HR-positive advanced-stage breast cancer;
• Triple-negative breast cancer.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of how these recommendations translate into clinical practice and support standardized treatment decision-making across Canadian care settings. REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance continues to release annual updates aimed at strengthening alignment in care pathways and improving outcomes through evidence-informed practice.

This webinar is intended for oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals involved in breast cancer care.

Date: 3 September 2026, 6:00 p.m. EDT | 11:00 p.m. CEST
Webinar ID: 899 2749 6179

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with email addresses from academic institutions will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Mita Manna, Saskatoon Cancer Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Canada;
• Dr. Nathalie Levasseur, BC Cancer—Vancouver, University of British Columbia, Canada;
• Dr. Katarzyna J. Jerzak, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Canada.

In September 2025, the journal Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729) collaborated with REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance to release a Special Issue to provide guidance to physicians, other health care professionals, and policy makers for improving outcomes for patients with breast cancer across Canada.

Special Issue:

“REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance Collection”
Guest Editors: Dr. Katarzyna J. Jerzak, Dr. Nathalie LeVasseur, Dr. Nathaniel Bouganim and Dr. Mita Manna
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026

We are honored to interview Dr. Mita Manna, Chair of REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance and Guest Editor of this Special Issue. In this interview, she shares insights into its vision, impact on clinical practice and policy, and the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of breast cancer care in Canada and beyond.

The following is an interview with Dr. Mita Manna:

We sincerely thank Dr. Mita Manna for sharing her valuable insights with us. We also invite our readers to follow this Special Issue to learn more about the future consensus statements and recommendations proposed by REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance to advance breast cancer research, treatment, and patient care.

We are pleased to present an interview with Dr. Fernando Munoz, a valued contributor to Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729) since 2023. As a Guest Editor for multiple Special Issues and an Editor for Special Issue reprints, Dr. Munoz has actively contributed to the journal’s academic community. In this interview, he will share his perspectives on Special Issue development, his research interests, and the experiences that have shaped his academic career.

Dr. Fernando Munoz’s related Special Issues:

• “Evolution of Treatments of Prostate Cancer: From Biology to Current Advanced Technologies”;
• “The Evolving Landscape of Precision Medicine in Radiation Oncology”.

The following is an interview with Dr. Fernando Munoz:

1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current research interests?
I am a radiation oncologist with extensive clinical experience, with a particular interest in genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and head and neck malignancies.
Although I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, following the completion of my specialization in radiation oncology, I moved to northern Italy for personal reasons and have since built my entire professional career in Turin. Over the years, Turin has become both my professional and personal home, where I have developed my clinical expertise and continued to grow as a radiation oncologist.

2. Could you share your experience as a Guest Editor for Current Oncology? What was your overall experience in organizing and coordinating the Special Issue?
My experience as a Guest Editor for Current Oncology was excellent throughout the entire process. I found the experience both rewarding and professionally enriching.
I would particularly like to acknowledge the support of the Special Issue Editor, who accompanied and guided me throughout the process. She was precise, meticulous, demanding, and highly knowledgeable, and I truly appreciated these qualities. I believe these are exactly the characteristics we need when undertaking a project of this kind, as they help maintain high standards and ensure that every aspect of the process is handled carefully and efficiently.
As clinicians, our demanding daily commitments can sometimes lead us to postpone or delay responses, despite our best intentions. Having someone who is attentive, organized, and persistent in following up is therefore extremely valuable. The Editor’s professionalism and dedication were instrumental in keeping the process on track, and I am very grateful for her support throughout the entire Special Issue.

3. Following the publication of the first Special Issue Reprints, are there any emerging areas or frontier topics that you believe deserve more attention in future research and Special Issues?
I do not believe that there are any specific emerging areas that stand out at this stage. Rather, I believe that precision medicine in oncology will be the major driving force for the future of cancer care. It will guide and increasingly personalize our diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, opening the door to more individualized treatment strategies and, ultimately, to truly personalized cancer care across the field of oncology.

4. In your view, what are the most important characteristics of a high-quality manuscript?
In my view, a high-quality manuscript should first and foremost address a clear, relevant, and scientifically meaningful question. From a reviewer’s perspective, scientific rigor is essential: the study design should be appropriate to the research question, the methodology should be robust and transparently described, and the statistical analysis should be sound and appropriate.
I also consider originality and added value to be important, although novelty should not come at the expense of methodological quality. Equally important is the consistency between the study objectives, the results, and the conclusions. Authors should interpret their findings critically and avoid conclusions that go beyond what the data can actually support.
Finally, I believe that a strong manuscript should clearly acknowledge its limitations and potential sources of bias, while presenting the findings in a clear and simple way, as well as in a balanced, and clinically meaningful way. In oncology in particular, the ultimate value of a manuscript lies in its ability to contribute to a better understanding of disease and, whenever possible, to improve or inform clinical practice and future research.

5. As a Guest Editor, what advice would you give to authors preparing to submit their work to your Special Issue?
My advice to authors preparing to submit their work to a Special Issue would be to focus first and foremost on the scientific quality and clinical relevance of their research. A strong manuscript should address a clear and meaningful question, be supported by a rigorous methodology, and provide results that genuinely add something to the existing literature.
I would also encourage authors to present their work in a clear and balanced manner, ensuring that the conclusions are fully supported by the data and that the limitations of the study are openly discussed. In my experience as a reviewer and Guest Editor, transparency and methodological rigor are just as important as novelty.
Finally, I would encourage authors to carefully consider the existing literature and clearly explain how their work contributes to the field. A Special Issue is an opportunity not only to present new findings, but also to stimulate discussion and provide insights that may be useful for future research and, ultimately, for clinical practice.

6. What advice would you give to researchers who are interested in serving as Guest Editors and contributing to academic publishing?
I would encourage young researchers to actively engage with the scientific community and to make themselves visible through the quality of their work. Serving as a Guest Editor is a valuable opportunity to develop scientific leadership, build collaborations, and contribute to the advancement of the field.
My advice is to be proactive: publish high-quality research, participate in peer review, attend scientific meetings, collaborate internationally, and do not hesitate to accept responsibilities that allow you to demonstrate your expertise. Visibility in academia is built progressively through credibility, consistency, and a genuine willingness to contribute.
Above all, young researchers should remember that academic recognition follows from the quality and impact of their contribution to the scientific community.

7. Outside of your busy research work, how do you maintain a healthy work–life balance?
I try to maintain a balance between my professional and personal life—which is not always easy. Whenever possible, I enjoy traveling and staying active through sport. I also make time for reading and for maintaining a rich social life, as I believe that continuing to learn and engaging with people and different cultures are important not only for personal well-being, but also for maintaining an open and creative perspective in my professional life.

8. How do you view the development of open access publishing in the academic community? What opportunities and challenges do you think open access brings to researchers and the scientific publishing landscape?
I believe that the major advantage of open access publishing is that it provides students, young physicians, and early-career researchers with immediate and easy access to scientific knowledge. This can significantly facilitate education, collaboration, and the dissemination of research.
The main challenge, however, is the financial burden associated with publication. Researchers do not always have sufficient support from their universities or academic institutions, particularly now in Europe, and research funding and institutional resources are becoming increasingly limited. In my view, this represents one of the most important challenges facing the open access model today.

We sincerely thank Dr. Fernando Munoz for sharing his valuable insights and experiences with us. We hope that this interview will provide readers with a deeper understanding of Special Issue development, research trends, and the experiences of scholars contributing to the advancement of prostate cancer research.

Conference: IASLC 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer
Booth Number: 706
Date: 12–15 September 2026
Location: COEX, Seoul, Republic of Korea

The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is a globally recognized medical society dedicated to advancing research, education, and collaboration in lung cancer and thoracic malignancies.

Taking place in Seoul from 12 to 15 September 2026, the IASLC 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC 2026) will serve as a premier international forum for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to present the latest scientific discoveries, exchange innovative treatment strategies, and foster collaborations aimed at advancing the fight against lung cancer.

MDPI is excited to join WCLC 2026 as an exhibitor. We warmly invite attendees to visit our booth to discuss their latest research and learn how we can empower your scholarly journey through dedicated publishing services.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Cancers;
• Current Oncology;
• Advances in Respiratory Medicine;
• BioMed;
• Clinics and Practice;
• Diagnostics;
• Journal of Clinical Medicine;
• Journal of Respiration;
• Pharmaceuticals;
• Precision Oncology;
• Surgical Techniques Development;
• Onco;
• Radiation;
• Targets.

Visit our booth to connect with our team and get your questions answered in person! Find more details about the event on the conference website.

The ESMO Congress is a highly influential global oncology meeting for clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, journalists and healthcare industry representatives from all over the world. ESMO 2026 will be a platform for breakthroughs in oncology research, clinical practice and patient care. Participants can expect impactful new data, interactive education, excellent networking opportunities and an innovative exhibition area. By attending the ESMO Congress 2026, oncologists will not only gain insights into the latest developments but also play an active role in shaping the future of oncology on a global scale.

The following open access journals will be represented at this conference:

• Cancers;
• Current Oncology;
• Diagnostics;
• Uro;
• Biomedicines;
• Hemato;
• Radiation;
• Onco;
• Diseases;
• Clinics and Practice;
• Gastrointestinal Disorders;
• Tomography;
• JOMA;
• JPM.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at booth #P8097 and answering any questions that you may have.

For more information about this conference, please visit the following website:

https://www.esmo.org/meeting-calendar/esmo-congress-2026.

Conference: The 85th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association
Date: 24–26 September 2026
Location: Kyoto, Japan

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will participate in the 85th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association, held in Kyoto, Japan, from 24 to 26 September 2026.

The theme of the 85th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Cancer Association is “Intellectual Challenges: Toward Conquering Cancer”. In addressing cancer, a disease yet to be fully overcome, we aim to bring together expertise from diverse fields, including basic research, clinical medicine, and social sciences, to deepen our understanding of cancer pathology and to foster the development of new therapeutic approaches.

The following open access journals will be represented at the conference:

• Cancers;
• Reports;
• Journal of Clinical Medicine;
• Children;
• Current Oncology;
• Antibodies;
• Romanian Journal of Preventive Medicine;
• Radiation;
• Clinics and Practice;
• Diseases;
• Uro;
• Targets;
• Marine Drugs;
• Onco.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, please feel free to start an online conversation with us. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person at our booth and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following website: https://www.c-linkage.co.jp/jca2026/en/.

We are pleased to announce that four new scholars have been appointed as Editorial Board Members (EBMs) of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729). We wish our new members success in both their research and their efforts to develop the journal.

Name: Prof. Dr. Nazanin Derakhshan
Affiliations: ¹ The Centre for Building Resilience in Breast Cancer (BRiC), National Centre for Integrative Oncology (NCIO), Reading RG10 9XQ, UK; ² The Growth and Resilience in Trauma Centre (GRiT), National Centre for Integrative Oncology (NCIO), Reading RG10 9XQ, UK
Interests: affective and cognitive neuroscience; neurocognitive interventions empowering resilience; building resilience in women with a breast cancer diagnosis
Section: “Psychosocial Oncology”

Name: Dr. Neetu M. Chawla
Affiliation: Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (Mailcode 152), Sepulveda, CA 91343, USA
Interests: cancer survivorship care; quality of life; follow-up care; patient–provider communication; patterns of care delivery; care coordination
Section: “Palliative and Supportive Care”

Name: Prof. Dr. Teiji Kuzuya
Affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-Cho, Toyoake 470-1192, Aichi, Japan
Interests: hepatocellular carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitors; tumor markers (AFP, DCP); molecular targeted therapy; transarterial chemoembolization; radiofrequency ablation
Section: “Gastrointestinal Oncology”

Name: Prof. Dr. Zenichi Morise
Affiliation: Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Okazaki Medical Center, Fujita Health University, 1 Gotanda Harisakicho, Okazaki 444-0827, Japan
Interests: liver; liver surgery; minimally invasive liver surgery; hepatocellular carcinoma; colorectal liver metastases; chronic liver disease; pancreatic surgery
Section: “Gastrointestinal Oncology”

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

Current Oncology 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 Current Oncology Editorial Office and provide the following documents:

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

In June 2026, Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729) achieved new CiteScore (6.1) and Impact Factor (3.6) milestones, including its fourth consecutive year of Impact Factor growth and a rise from Q2 to Q1 in the “Oncology” category based on CiteScore rankings.

To mark these achievements, we are pleased to interview the journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Shahid Ahmed, to discuss the journal’s development, the evolving landscape of oncology research, and his vision for the years ahead.

Prof. Dr. Shahid Ahmed, MD, PhD, is a medical oncologist and professor of oncology at the University of Saskatchewan. He serves as Medical Director Academic at the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Interim Provincial Head of the Department of Oncology, College of Medicine. His clinical and research expertise includes breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, clinical trials, and population health science.

Prof. Dr. Ahmed has led and contributed to numerous clinical trials and population-based studies focused on improving cancer outcomes, access to care, and treatment delivery. He has contributed to more than 130 peer-reviewed articles and is actively involved in provincial, national, and international committees related to cancer care, research, and education. He is also deeply committed to medical education and mentorship, with long-standing involvement in undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing professional development activities, including work with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

The following is a short Q&A with Prof. Dr. Shahid Ahmed, who shared his vision for the journal with us, in addition to his views on the research area and open access publishing:

1. Current Oncology has recently reached several important milestones, including its fourth consecutive year of Impact Factor growth and a rise from Q2 to Q1 in the “Oncology” category based on CiteScore rankings. As Editor-in-Chief since 2023, how do you reflect on the journal’s progress over the past few years? In your view, what have been the key factors driving the journal's continued growth and increasing impact?

It is very encouraging to see Current Oncology’s steady progress over the past few years. The continued growth in Impact Factor and the move into Q1 are important milestones but, more importantly, they reflect the increasing trust of the oncology community in the journal. Since becoming Editor-in-Chief in 2023, my primary focus has been on maintaining and further strengthening the quality of the journal through a rigorous peer-review process. I believe the key factors behind this growth include the publication of scientifically sound and clinically meaningful research, careful editorial oversight, strong support from the Editorial Board Members, Section Editors-in-Chief, Managing Editorial Team, and the dedication of our authors and reviewers. As someone involved in clinical care, I especially value work that connects research findings with meaningful improvements in cancer care.

2. What message would you like to share with the authors, reviewers, and Editorial Board Members who have contributed to the journal's success?

I would like to sincerely thank the authors, reviewers, and Editorial Board Members. A journal can only grow when the community around it is strong and committed. Authors trust us with their work, reviewers give their time and expertise, and Editorial Board Members help guide the journal’s direction. The journal’s progress is a shared achievement. Every thoughtful review, every strong manuscript, and every editorial decision have helped build Current Oncology’s reputation. I am truly grateful for this support and hope we can continue to grow together.

3. What role do you play as Editor-in-Chief in maintaining and promoting research integrity? What key elements do you look for when assessing a manuscript?

As Editor-in-Chief, I see research integrity as one of my most important responsibilities. It is essential that the journal maintains high ethical and scientific standards. This includes careful attention to plagiarism, data reliability, authorship, conflicts of interest, ethical approval, and transparency in reporting. When assessing a manuscript, we look for a clear research question, sound methodology, reliable data, and conclusions that are supported by the results. We also consider originality, clinical relevance, clarity, and whether the work can meaningfully contribute to oncology practice, research, or policy.

4. Generative AI is rapidly transforming both scientific research and scholarly publishing. From your perspective as Editor-in-Chief, what opportunities and challenges does this technology present for researchers, reviewers, and journals?

Generative AI has the potential to be very helpful in research and publishing. It can support literature searches, improve language clarity, help organize ideas, and assist with routine editorial tasks. However, it also creates important challenges. AI can produce inaccurate information, fabricated references, or polished text that may not reflect strong science. There are also concerns about confidentiality, originality, authorship, and accountability. My view is that AI should be used responsibly as a tool, not as a replacement for scientific judgment. Researchers must remain fully responsible for the accuracy and integrity of their work.

5. What advice would you offer to early career researchers who are beginning to build their careers in oncology research?

My advice is to focus on asking meaningful questions. Oncology is a fast-moving field, but good research still begins with a clear clinical or scientific problem. Early career researchers should build strong methodological skills, seek good mentors, and learn how to collaborate across disciplines.

I would also encourage them to be patient and persistent. Not every project will succeed, and not every paper will be accepted, but each experience is part of the learning process. Most importantly, they should keep the needs of patients at the center of their work. Research that is thoughtful, ethical, and clinically relevant will always have value.

6. Looking ahead, what emerging trends do you believe will have the greatest impact on oncology research and clinical practice?

Several trends are likely to shape the future of oncology. Precision medicine will continue to expand, especially as genomic and molecular profiling become more widely used. Immunotherapy and combination treatment strategies will also remain important areas of development. I also believe artificial intelligence, liquid biopsy, early detection, real-world evidence, and patient-centered care will have a growing impact. Another important direction is improving access to high-quality cancer care across different regions and populations. Scientific progress is important, but its true value depends on whether it can benefit patients in real clinical settings.

7. Current Oncology is an open access journal. What is your opinion of the open access model of publication? What are your expectations and suggestions for the future development of Current Oncology?

I strongly support the open access model when it is managed responsibly. Oncology research should be accessible to clinicians, researchers, patients, and policymakers, regardless of their institution or location. Open access helps knowledge travel faster and reach a wider audience.

For Current Oncology my expectation is that the journal will continue to improve its quality, visibility, and influence. We should keep attracting strong original research, timely reviews, and clinically meaningful studies. At the same time, we must maintain rigorous peer review, uphold research integrity, and support authors throughout the publication process. My hope is that Current Oncology will continue to grow as a trusted, high-quality open access journal in oncology.

We sincerely thank Prof. Dr. Ahmed for taking the time to share his insights and reflections with us.

As Current Oncology continues to grow and strengthen its position within the global oncology community, we look forward to its continued success under Prof. Dr. Ahmed’s leadership and to supporting the dissemination of high-quality cancer research in the years ahead. We also hope that the perspectives shared in this interview will provide valuable insights and inspiration for researchers, clinicians, and readers across the oncology community.

Our portfolio of journals available for publishing up-to-date research in immediate open access format has been further expanded. In June 2026, eleven new journals released their inaugural issues and two transferred journals released their first issue as part of MDPI, covering the subjects of environmental & earth sciences, chemistry & materials science, public health & healthcare, engineering, medicine & pharmacology, and biology & life sciences. 

We extend our gratitude to the Editors-in-Chief, Associate Editors, and Editorial Board Members who will shape the future course of these new journals. Each journal is dedicated to upholding strong editorial standards through a thorough peer review process, enabling impactful open access scholarship. 

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below. 

We would like to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. If you would like to create a new journal, you are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee (newjournal-committee@mdpi.com).