Editorial

The completion of the human genome project, as well as the current availability of novel and powerful technologies within genomics, proteomics and functional genomics promise to have a major impact on clinical practice, as these developments are likely to change the way in which cancer will be diagnosed, treated and monitored in the future. Together with major breakthroughs in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying the multistage nature of carcinogenesis, the targeted genes, their products and function(s), and the signalling pathways relevant to human cancer, these developments offer extraordinary opportunities to improve cancer care by providing new and more effective strategies for prevention, diagnosis and therapy. At the moment we experience a growing tendency in cancer research to make use of complex biological samples, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the application of a more holistic approach may be necessary in order to attain a full understanding of the biology underlying the pathogenesis of this disease. A multidisciplinary approach to cancer research will require the coordination of basic research activities and large resources and infrastructures, in addition to the creation of integrated and interdisciplinary environments with the participation of all the stakeholders in the cancer continuum: i.e. basic researchers, surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, epidemiologists, regulatory agencies and authorities, science policy makers, funding agencies, industry, advocacy groups, and society as a whole. The greatest challenge today is how to effectively bridge basic and clinical cancer research in order to expedite the translation of novel discoveries into clinical applications for the benefit of the patient. Responding to these challenges, the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) and Elsevier decided to start Molecular Oncology, a journal that is aimed at scientists and health professionals interested in molecular aspects of the development, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Molecular Oncology will highlight new discoveries, approaches, as well as technical developments in basic, clinical, and discovery-driven translational research. A main feature of the Journal will be to provide an international debate Forum where researchers, health care providers, patient advocates, and other cancer stakeholders can raise awareness to issues of broad interest. The Journal will publish original articles, reviews, technical notes, editorials, news and views (commentaries, science policy issues, ethical and legal issues, patient organisations, industry needs and alliances, regulatory issues, etc.), and letters to the editor. At this stage we are calling for submissions of articles, commentaries, and letters to the editor for the upcoming issues. Reviews are by invitation only. We look forward to receiving your exciting contribution.