Peer reviewers from low- and middle-income countries(LMIC) for open access journals in oncology can improve the equity in cancer research and clinical trials

• Published in: Journal of cancer policy Vol. 36; p. 100419
• Main Authors: Mohanti, Bidhu Kalyan, Munshi, Anusheel, Sarkar, Biplab, Sharma, Atul, Deo, Surya VS
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Access to Information; Article processing charge; Cancer research; Clinical trial; Developing Countries; Ecosystem; Humans; Low- and middle-income countries; Neoplasms - diagnosis; Oncology subject; Open access journal; Peer Review; Peer reviewers; Periodicals as Topic; Cancer research; Low- and middle-income countries; Article processing charge; Clinical trial; Oncology subject; Open access journal; Peer reviewers
• ISSN: 2213-5383; 2213-5383
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2023.100419

Open access journals (OAJ) in biomedicine are promoted to improve the reach and distribution of global health research (GHR). However, in the last 20 years, article publishing charge (APC) is attracting and publishing the vast majority of papers from high-income countries (HIC) in “oncology” journals under OAJ. This paper outlines the impediments for cancer research and publication from low-and middle-income countries (LMIC): (a) existing disparities in cancer care facilities and survival outcomes between HIC and LMIC, (b) more than 70 % of OAJ in 'oncology' subject levy APC, becoming unaffordable for scientists and clinicians from LMIC, (c) impactful OAJ in oncology engage less than 10 % of members from LMIC in editorial board or as peer reviewer, whereas two-third of cancer diagnosis and management occur in these countries. Peer review serves the editors by recommending the relevant papers. Thus, peer reviewers from developing countries working for the OAJs in “oncology” can increase the diversity in publication, improving the GHR in cancer management. The cancer research and clinical trials which can bring to notice the challenges and hurdles faced by researchers, clinicians and cancer patients in LMIC will be served to some measure by engaging peer reviewers from those countries who understand the ecosystem. •Open access journals(OAJ) with article publishing charge(APC), in the oncology journals, are attracting and publishing the vast majority of papers from high-income countries(HIC). OAJ in “oncology” subject with APC are becoming unaffordable or have low contribution from LMIC.•The cancer research and clinical trials which can bring to notice the challenges and hurdles faced by researchers, clinicians and cancer patients in LMIC will be served to some measure by engaging peer reviewers from those countries who are understanding the ecosystem.•Peer reviewers from developing countries working for the open access oncology journals can increase the diversity in publication, thus nurturing a process of global equity in cancer management.