JOP Information for Contributors

The Journal of Oncology Practice (JOP) is a forum to provide oncologists and other oncology professionals with information and tools to enhance practice efficiency and promote a high standard for quality of patient care. The Journal is an authoritative resource on clinical and administrative management for oncology professionals. Each issue of the JOP includes a cover story, feature articles, peer-reviewed original research, and columns on a variety of issues important to daily practice operations and to the care of patients.

You can submit to JOP by e-mailing your manuscript to the JOP Editorial Office at jopsubmissions{at}asco.org. If you need assistance, please contact the Editorial Office at 703-797-1900.

MANUSCRIPT CATEGORIES
DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
ORIGINAL RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION GUIDELINES
CME CREDIT FOR REVIEWERS
POSTACCEPTANCE INFORMATION
ASCO STYLE GUIDE
INFORMATION FOR ADVERTISERS
CONDUCT POLICY

MANUSCRIPT CATEGORIES

Perspective
Perspective is an opportunity for ASCO members to contribute a guest column on a timely topic of their choice. Word limit: 875.

Business of the Business
The Business of the Business column addresses practice management issues through a variety of formats including case studies and interviews. Topics of interest include financial issues, business management, human resources management, and legislative and legal issues. Word limit: 1,750.

Best Practices in Practice
The Best Practices in Practice column covers practice management issues, quality and outcome studies, risk management issues, reimbursement (Medicare and private payers), and contracting. Word limit: 1,750.

Clinical Research
The Clinical Research column covers topics such as clinical trial administration, accrual, funding, and reporting; clinical research guidelines, reports, and recommendations; and regulatory issues. Word limit: 1,750.

Feature Article
Feature articles are original works on topics of particular relevance to oncology professionals. All relevant tables and figures that help convey the message of the article are encouraged. Readers are also encouraged to submit topics and ideas for regular features to the Editor-in-Chief at jopsubmissions@asco.org. Word limit: 3,000.

Training and Development
Training and Development articles address staff development issues; advice for fellows establishing a practice; and guidance on such issues as finances, burnout, and retirement planning. Word limit: 1,750.

Focus on Quality
Focus on Quality includes updates on ASCO quality initiatives and practice guidelines, as well as articles on quality programs and activities important to patient care. Word limit: 1,750.

Technology and Innovation
Technology and Innovation articles highlight the latest advances in technology and their impact on oncology practice. Topics of interest include innovations in drug therapy, new equipment, computer technology, mobile applications, and innovative uses of the Internet and Web-based programs. Word limit: 1,750.

IT Help Desk
The IT Help Desk column is presented in a Q&A format and addresses issues that may arise as oncology professionals implement new IT tools into their practices. Submissions in this category are typically solicited from recognized experts in the field. Word limit: 875.

For Your Patients
For Your Patients focuses on information and tools for oncologists and their staff to share with patients, including details on patient advocacy programs and resources. Word limit: 875.

Partners in Cancer Care
Partners in Cancer Care focuses on collaborations and issues of mutual interest to ASCO members and others in the oncology community. Submissions in this category are typically solicited, but readers are encouraged to submit topics and ideas to the Editor-in-Chief. Word limit: 875.

Letters to the Editor
JOP accepts letters to the editor. Please address correspondence to John V. Cox, DO, MBA, FACP, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Oncology Practice. Word limit: 875 excluding references.

Original Research
JOP publishes Original Research articles that report on investigation of service provision, health outcomes, quality of care, access to care, socioeconomics, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis, pharmacogenomics, and the use of technology and innovation, as well as workforce and professional issues. Manuscripts are accepted for consideration provided that they have not been previously published and are not under review elsewhere. We encourage submission of supportive tools such as worksheets, flow charts, algorithms, and documentation templates that complement, illustrate, and/or translate their research findings, which may be published in the print edition or made available online. Original Research manuscripts are subject to peer review. Detailed comments by the reviewers are generally returned to the authors along with a publication decision. Word limit: 3,000 words, excluding references.

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DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Authors
In compliance with standards established by the ASCO’s Conflict of Interest Policy (J Clin Oncol 24:519-521, 2006), ASCO’s intent is to promote balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its editorial policies related to JOP through the disclosure of financial and other interests, and identification and management of potential conflicts. The financial interests or relationships requiring disclosure are outlined in the ASCO’s Conflict of Interest Policy. All contributors to JOP are required to disclose financial and other relationships with entities that have investment, licensing, or other commercial interests in the subject matter under consideration in their article. These disclosures should include, but are not limited to, relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, device manufacturers, or other commercial entities whose products or services are related to the subject matter of the submission.

Disclosures of financial interests or relationships involving the authors must be addressed on the Author Disclosure Declaration form. Each author must complete a declaration form with each manuscript submission. The Editorial Office recommends that corresponding authors collect the Author Disclosure Declaration Form from all other authors before starting the formal submission. Statements regarding financial support of the article must be made on the manuscript title page, and disclosed under question #5 (Research Funding) on the form. All disclosures will appear in print at the end of all published articles.

Principal Investigator Restrictions
For reports based on clinical trials that began accrual on or after April 29, 2004, the ASCO’s Conflict of Interest Policy places some restrictions on the financial relationships of Principal Investigators (PIs). If a PI holds any relationships that are restricted by the Policy, his or her manuscript may require an exception to the ASCO’s Conflict of Interest Policy in order to be considered for publication. For more information, please see the ASCO’s Conflict of Interest Policy (J Clin Oncol 24: 519-521, 2006).

Reviewers and Editors
JOP requires all Editors and reviewers to make similar disclosures. Reviewers are asked to make disclosures when accepting a review assignment. Editors’ disclosures are published annually online, whereas reviewers’ disclosures are held in confidence within the Editorial Office. Additional help regarding ASCO’s Conflict of Interest Policy can be found at www.asco.org/conflictofinterest.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION GUIDELINES

Title Page
The first page of the manuscript must contain the following information: (1) title of the report, as succinct as possible; (2) author list of no more than 20 names (first name, middle initial, last name); (3) names of the authors' institutions and an indication of each author's affiliation; (4) acknowledgments of research support; (5) name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the corresponding author; (6) running head of no more than 80 characters (including spaces); (7) list of where and when the study has been presented in part elsewhere, if applicable; and (8) disclaimers, if any.

Abstract
Abstracts are limited to 250 words and must appear after the title page. Abstracts must be formatted according to the following headings: (1) PURPOSE, (2) MATERIALS AND METHODS, METHODS, or similar heading, (3) RESULTS, and (4) CONCLUSION. Proprietary or trade names may not be used in the title or abstract.

Text
The body of the manuscript should be written as concisely as possible and must not exceed the manuscript category word limits described herein. The Journal adheres to the style guidelines set forth by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.

References
References must be listed and numbered after the body text in the order in which they are cited in the text. They should appear under the heading “REFERENCES.” Abbreviations of medical periodicals should conform to those used in the latest edition of Index Medicus and on MEDLINE. The "List of Journals Indexed in Index Medicus" includes the latest abbreviations. Inclusive page numbers must be cited in the reference. When a reference is for an abstract or supplement, it must be identified as such in parentheses at the end of the reference. Abstract and supplement numbers should be provided, if applicable. When a reference is a personal communication, unpublished data, a manuscript in preparation, or a manuscript submitted but not in press, it should be included in parentheses in the body of the text, and not cited in the reference list. Published manuscripts and manuscripts that have been accepted and are pending publication should be cited in the reference list.

Reference Style
Journal article with one, two, or three authors:
1. Dolan ME, Pegg AE: O6-Benzylguanine and its role in chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 8:837-847, 1997

Journal article with more than three authors:
2. Knox S, Hoppe RT, Maloney D, et al: Treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with chimeric anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody. Blood 87:893-899, 1996

Journal article in press (manuscript has been accepted for publication):
3. Scadden DT, Schenkein DP, Bernstein Z, et al: Combined immunotoxin and chemotherapy for AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Cancer (in press)

Supplement:
4. Brusamolino E, Orlandi E, Morra E, et al: Analysis of long-term results and prognostic factors among 138 patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease treated with the alternating MOPP/ABVD chemotherapy. Ann Oncol 5:S53-S57, 1994 (suppl 2)

Book with a single author:
5. Woodruff R: Symptom Control in Advanced Cancer. Victoria, Australia, Asperula Pty Ltd, 1997, pp 65-69

Book with multiple authors:
6. Iverson C, Flanagin A, Fontanarosa PB, et al: American Medical Association Manual of Style (ed 9). Baltimore, MD, Williams & Wilkins, 1998

Chapter in a multiauthored book with editors:
7. Seykora JT, Elder DE: Common acquired nevi and dysplastic nevi as precursor lesions and risk markers of melanoma, in Kirkwood JM (ed): Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment of Melanoma. New York, NY, Marcel Dekker, 1998, pp 55-86

Abstract:
8. Bardia A, Wang AH, Hartmann LC, et al: Physical activity and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer defined by hormone receptor status and histology: A large prospective cohort study with 18 years of follow up. J Clin Oncol 24:49s, 2006 (suppl; abstr 1002)

9. Kaplan EH, Jones CM, Berger MS: A phase II, open-label, multicenter study of GW572016 in patients with trastuzumab refractory metastatic breast cancer. Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 22:245, 2003 (abstr 981)

Conference/meeting presentation:
10. Dupont E, Riviere M, Latreille J, et al: Neovastat: An inhibitor of angiogenesis with anti-cancer activity. Presented at the American Association of Cancer Research Special Conference on Angiogenesis and Cancer, Orlando, FL, January 24-28, 1998

Internet resource:
11. Health Care Financing Administration: Bureau of data management and strategy from the 100% MEDPAR inpatient hospital fiscal year 1994: All inpatients by diagnosis related groups, 6/95 update. http://www.hcfa.gov/a1194drg.txt

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):
12. Small EJ, Smith MR, Seaman JJ, et al: Combined analysis of two multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of pamidronate disodium for the palliation of bone pain in men with metastatic prostate cancer. J Clin Oncol 10.1200/JCO.2003.05.147

Government Announcement/Publication:
13. Miller BA, Ries CAG, Hankey BF, et al (eds): Cancer Statistics Review: 1973-1989. Bethesda, MD, National Cancer Institute, NIH publication No. 92-2789, 1992

ASCO Educational Book:
14. Benson AB 3rd: Present and future role of prognostic and predictive markers for patients with colorectal cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Ed Book 187-190, 2006

Tables
Tables must be cited in the order in which they appear in the text using Arabic numerals. The table’s legend may include any pertinent notes and must include definitions of all abbreviations and acronyms that have been used in the table. Tables submitted with multiple parts will be renumbered. Include no more than a total of six figures and tables per manuscript, not counting panels within figures.

Figures
Figures may be embedded in a Word or PDF file upon first submission only.

Figures must be cited in the order they appear in the text using Arabic numerals. Figure legends should appear within the document in a separate section just before the references. All relevant and explanatory information extraneous to the actual figure, including footnotes, abbreviations, arrows, and part labels, should be included in the legend text. Figure legends must not exceed 55 words per figure, and should identify each part of the figure, as well as define abbreviations and acronyms used in the figure.

Submit figures at 100% size whenever possible.

Please submit all line graphs, bar graphs, flow charts, scatter plots, forest plots, diagrams, and gene expressions as vector-based artwork, not bitmapped art (ie, no BMP, TIF, GIF, JPG). Vector artwork should be submitted as EPS or PDF files whenever possible, but original documents from applications that are widely available (Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc) are also usable. If the graph must be submitted as a bitmap, please submit a 300dpi TIF or high-quality JPEG at 100% scale.

EPS files with fonts embedded (not converted to paths) are preferred and all typeface used within the figures should be 6pt to 12pt Univers (Arial or Helvetica are also acceptable).

Photographs (halftones) must have a minimum resolution of 300dpi at final size (100% scale). Figure parts should not have figure numbers or letters embedded in the photographs. Labels may be placed on top of the image or set outside of each part.

Upon acceptance of a manuscript, all figures will be formatted to JOP style by a graphic artist.

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CME CREDIT FOR REVIEWERS

CME credit is now available for Journal of Oncology Practice manuscript reviewers. During the invitation process, reviewers will be provided with information about the CME activity and a link to a survey/request form that they can access upon completion of the review. Once reviewers have accessed this link, they can fill out the needed information on the survey and submit it. Within two weeks of submission, ASCO CME staff will process the reviewers’ certificates send them via email. ASCO Members’ certificates will also be posted on the ASCO CME Bank (http://university.asco.org); members can simply use their ASCO.org user name and password to access their certificate at any time.

Reviewers may request up to 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ based on the time spent conducting each review. ASCO can also provide nonphysicians with a Certificate of Participation, which may enable nonphysicians to apply their activity participation hours toward re-licensure. Journal of Clinical Oncology plans to implement a similar CME activity for manuscript review in the future. For more information, please contact ASCO CME Staff at cme{at}asco.org.

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POSTACCEPTANCE INFORMATION

Copyright Form
Upon acceptance of the manuscript, all authors, via the corresponding author, will receive an invitation to sign a statement confirming that the manuscript contains no material for which publication would violate any copyright or other personal or proprietary right of any person or entity. US federal employees will complete a separate section on the copyright form. Manuscripts will not be published until each author has completed the form.

National Institutes of Health Grantees
For all papers accepted on or after April 7, 2008 which report research supported by any funds or grants from National Institutes of Health (NIH), JOP will assume responsibility, as a service to ASCO members and to JOP authors, for depositing the final published version of the manuscript to PubMed Central on behalf of the authors. These authors should not submit their unedited accepted manuscripts to the PubMed Central archive as instructed by the NIH Public Access Policy (NOT-OD-08-033). The JOP will fulfill the authors’ obligation and meet the NIH’s deposit requirement. JOP will provide a copy of the published article to the NIH to be made available for public access by PubMed Central 12 months after date of publication of the article by JOP. More information from NIH can be found on http://publicaccess.nih.gov/FAQ.htm.

Page Proofs
Corresponding authors will receive proofs and must carefully review them for data and typesetting errors. When proofs are available for downloading, the corresponding author will receive an e-mail notification with a password and Web address from which the proofs may be downloaded into a PDF and printed. Paper copies will not be sent.

Corrections to proofs must be returned by e-mail, fax, or mail within the time limit set in the e-mail. The corresponding author is responsible for collecting and submitting all author corrections into a single submission. Publication may be delayed if proofs are not returned by the publisher’s deadline. The Editor-in-Chief must approve all major alterations, which may delay publication of the article or manuscript.

Embargo Information
All material is embargoed until publication. Authors and their institutional public affairs staff may publicize in-press studies to journalists on an embargoed basis up to five days prior to the publication date. Embargoed interviews with journalists may only occur during this five day period and it is recommended that they reiterate embargo information to any journalists before doing interviews. Authors are free to participate in press conferences or other publicity activities once the embargo has lifted. ASCO reserves the exclusive right to publicize JOP issues in their entirety; authors and authorized public affairs staff may publicize only their own manuscripts. For more information, contact Amanda Stanley in ASCO’s Communications Department at amanda.stanley{at}asco.org or 571-483-1964.

Reprints
An order form showing the cost of reprints is sent with the page proofs so that authors may order reprints before publication. All reprints will be printed in color at no additional charge to the author. Reprints may be ordered after publication, but at a higher cost.

Permissions
Authors submitting manuscripts with the understanding that if accepted, the copyright of the article, including the right to reproduce the article in all forms and media, shall be assigned exclusively to ASCO.

If any portion of a manuscript submitted for consideration (i.e., a figure or table) has been previously published, the original source must be acknowledged, and written permission from the copyright holder to reproduce the material must be submitted. Permission is required regardless of authorship or publisher except for documents in the public domain. To download the outgoing permissions request letter, click here.

Upon submission, authors are required to provide permission statements from the copyright holder. Please submit the permission statements to jopsubmissions{at}asco.org.

ASCO will not refuse any reasonable request for permission to reproduce any contributions published in the Journal. Authors should e-mail requests to permissions@asco.org.

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ASCO STYLE GUIDE

Authors should refer to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors' "Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals" (www.icmje.org) for advice on appropriate manuscript preparation. Please contact the editorial office at jopsubmissions{at}asco.org with any formatting or style questions.

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INFORMATION FOR ADVERTISERS

JOP provides advertisers a cost-effective means for reaching an audience of practicing oncologists. Three format sizes are available: 1/4 page, 1/2 page vertical or horizontal, and full page. Ads must be submitted as PDF files, preferably 600 dpi minimum. For more information, call The Walchli Tauber Group, Inc, at 443-512-8899 or visit www.wt-group.com/jop2008.html.

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CONDUCT POLICY

The Conduct Policy describes the responsibilities of authors, reviewers, and editors, and sets out the Journal of Oncology Practice’s approach to addressing potential misconduct when concerns arise.

Conduct Policy

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