Peer Review Process

As a scholarly journal committed to quality and objectivity, Oncology Network for Comprehensive Outcomes (ONCO) implements a Double-Blind Peer Review system. In this process, the identities of authors are concealed from reviewers, and reviewers’ identities are concealed from authors to ensure fair, objective, and unbiased evaluation.

Manuscript Review Stages

1. Initial Screening
All submitted manuscripts are first evaluated by the Managing Editor to ensure:

  • Alignment with the journal’s aims and scope.

  • Compliance with author guidelines and publication ethics.

  • Acceptable similarity levels through plagiarism screening using Turnitin or iThenticate (generally up to 20%).

Manuscripts that do not meet these basic criteria will be rejected at this stage (desk rejection) without external peer review.

2. Reviewer Assignment
Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two (2) independent reviewers with relevant academic and clinical expertise in the field of oncology.

3. Peer Review Evaluation
Reviewers assess the manuscript based on the following criteria:

  • Originality: The novelty and contribution of the study to oncology research.

  • Methodology: Appropriateness of study design, statistical analysis, and ethical procedures.

  • Clinical Significance: Applicability of the findings to improving patient care outcomes.

  • Clarity: Logical structure, clarity of arguments, and quality of scientific language.

4. Editorial Decision
Based on reviewers’ recommendations, the Editor will make one of the following decisions:

  • Accepted: The manuscript is accepted without revision.

  • Minor Revision: Minor changes are required (revision period of 1–2 weeks).

  • Major Revision: Substantial revisions are required, possibly including reanalysis of data (revision period of 2–4 weeks). The revised manuscript will be re-evaluated by reviewers.

  • Rejected: The manuscript is rejected due to major methodological flaws or lack of originality.

5. Production and Final Publication
Once accepted, the manuscript proceeds to copyediting, layout/typesetting, and galley proof review by the authors before official publication as an Early View or Version of Record.

Estimated Turnaround Time

  • Initial decision (screening): 3–7 days.

  • First round of peer review: 4–6 weeks.

  • Time from acceptance to publication: 2–4 weeks.