Call for Papers

Submit colorectal cancer research that advances prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

Journal of Colon and Rectal Cancer publishes clinically impactful research spanning prevention, early detection, surgical oncology, systemic therapy, and survivorship in colon and rectal cancer.

We welcome translational studies, clinical trials, real world evidence, and multidisciplinary approaches that improve patient outcomes and care delivery.

• Screening strategies and early detection
• Surgical oncology and minimally invasive techniques
• Rectal cancer staging and neoadjuvant therapy
• Molecular profiling and biomarkers
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
• Radiation oncology protocols and outcomes
• Metastatic disease management
• Health equity and access to colorectal care
• Survivorship, quality of life, and functional outcomes
• Real world evidence and outcomes research
• Enhanced recovery and perioperative pathways
• Multidisciplinary care coordination

• Case series with meaningful clinical implications
• Health services and implementation research
• Surgical technique or outcomes analyses
• Perspectives on policy or clinical guidelines

Manuscripts undergo editorial screening for scope, ethics, and clinical relevance before single blind peer review.

APCs are applied after acceptance and support peer review, production, and archiving. Partial waivers and membership options are available. See https://openaccesspub.org/journal/colon-and-rectal-cancer/article-processing-charges for details.

Strong submissions articulate a clear colorectal cancer question, define the care setting, and show how findings change practice. We prioritize work with clinical endpoints, reproducible methods, and transparent reporting of staging, therapy, and outcomes.

Scope fit is highest when manuscripts connect biology, imaging, or surgical technique to patient relevant outcomes and explain how the work advances prevention, diagnosis, or treatment pathways.

• Explicit colon or rectal cancer cohort with defined inclusion criteria
• Clear staging terminology and validated outcome measures
• Well described treatment pathway or intervention strategy
• Comparators or benchmarks that reflect clinical practice
• Statistical plan aligned with clinical endpoints
• Ethics approvals and consent statements included
• Data availability or repository links provided
• Transparent reporting of complications and adverse events
• Discussion tied to guideline or care implications
• Limitations and generalizability stated clearly

We welcome biomarker and translational studies that link molecular profiles to treatment response, recurrence, or survival. Reports should describe assay validation, sensitivity, and clinical thresholds used for decision making.

When reporting ctDNA, MSI, or mutation panels, provide analytic details and explain how results inform surgical or systemic therapy choices. Clinical context is essential for translational impact.

Use established reporting standards to improve clarity and peer review speed. Trials and observational studies should include registration or registry identifiers where applicable.

• CONSORT for randomized trials and extensions when needed
• STROBE for observational and cohort studies
• PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta analyses
• STARD for diagnostic accuracy studies
• CARE for case reports when clinically justified
• Trial registration identifiers listed in the abstract

Colorectal cancer care requires attention to survivorship, quality of life, and access to care. We encourage studies that measure patient reported outcomes, functional status, and disparities in screening or treatment.

• Quality of life instruments with validated scoring
• Functional outcomes such as bowel or continence status
• Equity focused analyses by geography, race, or access
• Cost effectiveness or resource utilization metrics
• Implementation studies in diverse care settings

We encourage manuscripts that explain data sources, clinical definitions, and analytic choices with clarity. Transparent methodology helps clinicians and researchers interpret results and apply findings responsibly.

• Define inclusion and exclusion criteria for cohorts
• State staging systems and diagnostic confirmation
• Report treatment pathways and timing clearly
• Describe missing data handling and sensitivity analyses
• Explain model validation or calibration methods
• Provide reproducible code or protocol references

We value research that clarifies how interventions affect patient experience, access to care, and survivorship outcomes. Highlighting patient centered endpoints helps decision makers translate evidence into practice.

Before submitting, confirm that your manuscript clearly explains clinical context, patient population, and treatment pathway. This clarity helps editors assess scope fit quickly and ensures reviewers focus on scientific merit and clinical implications.