Web Exclusive: PRO now accepting manuscripts

ASTRO’s new journal to publish first issue in 2011
By Katherine Bennett , ASTRO staff, Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE katherineb@astro.org

ASTRO’s new journal, Practical Radiation Oncology, is now accepting manuscripts. The first issue of this quarterly journal whose mission is to improve the quality of radiation oncology practice is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2011. Manuscripts may be submitted online at www.practicalradonc.org.

PRO will be a natural complement to the Society’s clinical research journal, the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, and aims to be what Medline defines as a clinical or practice journal. These types of journals have as their dominant purpose either documenting the state of current practice, providing background for those in training or the continuing education of practitioners.

This is done through the publication of case reports, discussions and illustrations of new techniques, evaluations of current practices and commentaries. PRO will strive to provide its readers content that emphasizes knowledge “with a purpose.” To ensure Medline listing, however, the content must have scientific merit. Journals consisting primarily of reprinted articles, reports of association activities, abstracts of the literature, news items or book reviews will not usually be indexed.

The anticipated content focus and features are:

• Official ASTRO documents - PRO will be the journal of choice for publication of ASTRO guidelines, position papers, consensus statements, etc. Invited commentaries are expected as well.
• Original research on practical issues - Manuscripts that focus on imaging, contouring, target delineation, simulation, treatment planning, immobilization and organ motion will be emphasized.
• Quality corner - Each issue will contain at least one contribution focusing on quality measurement, safety and quality improvement initiatives.
• Possible related topics include safe use of new technologies, integration of electronic health records and the importance of peer review.
• Point/counterpoint - Each issue will contain opposing expert views on current topics and controversies in the field of radiation oncology.
• Interesting case - Each issue will contain a case description. The description will include relevant images as necessary. Cases will be solicited and chosen based on pedagogical merit.
• Miscellaneous - PRO will also include periodic articles devoted to professionalism, biomedical ethics and practice management. Clinically oriented reviews of cancer biology will be considered.
• Professional development and education – PRO hopes to offer online CME for the majority of the content and will be offered to all registered subscribers of PRO. PRO will highlight Maintenance of Certification by emphasizing quality measurement and improvement within the quality corner. Content will be solicited from related disciplines (medical and surgical oncology) to build collaborative, multidisciplinary knowledge that will benefit patients.

To ensure the utmost in fairness in the peer review process, PRO intends to employ a “double blind” peer review system, whereby the identity of the authors and the reviewers are hidden. PRO also hopes to offer CME credits to editors and manuscript reviewers of PRO. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, please e-mail practicalradonc@astro.org with your curriculum vitae. Be sure to include a cover letter highlighting your qualifications and the types of manuscripts you would be interested in reviewing.

PRO also aims to have all reviews completed within three weeks after submission, with author notification completed within five weeks.

Although PRO will not initially be indexed by Medline, we hope to apply for indexing in 2012. If we are successful, all papers will be indexed retroactively.

Submit your practical radiation oncology paper to PRO today at www.practicalradonc.org.