A Vision for the Future of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics

It is an incredible honor to serve as editor-in-chief of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics (MCT), following in the footsteps of esteemed leaders in the field, most recently Dr. Beverly A. Teicher. Under Dr. Teicher’s guidance, MCT has continued to thrive as a premier forum for groundbreaking research in cancer therapeutics. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Teicher for her dedication, leadership, and vision in advancing the journal’s mission.Since its inception in 2001, MCT has played a pivotal role in disseminating transformative discoveries, covering innovative cancer therapeutics, providing mechanistic insights into drug action, and developing novel targeted strategies. Over the past two decades, the landscape of cancer therapy has evolved dramatically, and we now stand at the precipice of a new era of therapeutic innovation.The expansion of next-generation therapeutic modalities in oncology has been revolutionary. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras and molecular glues redefine small-molecule drug discovery, whereas antibody–drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors continue transforming treatment paradigms. Cell-based therapies, including CAR-T cells and engineered immune effectors, have demonstrated unprecedented clinical success, and radiopharmaceuticals are opening new avenues for precision medicine. Vaccines, viral therapies, and gene therapies further expand our scope of approaches for tackling cancer. With these and other innovative, novel, and rapidly emerging modalities, alongside the discovery of novel cancer therapy targets, the need for a dedicated platform to showcase pioneering research has never been greater.As editor-in-chief, I envision making MCT the definitive journal for first disclosures of novel cancer therapeutics—whether small molecules, biologics, cell and gene therapies, or novel combination approaches. We aim to be the primary destination for studies presenting new drug structures, innovative preclinical models, mechanistic insights, and translational research that bridges the gap between discovery and clinical application. I also strive to make MCT a home for showcasing the discovery of novel therapeutic modalities and technologies for future cancer therapy. These areas of publishing will be alongside our historical areas of interest in the disclosure of preclinical studies of approved therapeutics, mechanism of action studies, mitigation of resistance, biomarkers of response, and applications of big data and artificial intelligence/machine learning in drug discovery.To achieve this, MCT will continue to uphold the highest standards of scientific rigor and impact, ensuring that the studies we publish advance the field and provide meaningful insights that inform clinical development. We welcome submissions that push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer treatment.I look forward to working with authors, our outstanding editorial board, dedicated reviewers, and the broader cancer research community to shape the future of MCT. Together, we will continue to foster innovation and accelerate the development of transformative cancer therapeutics. I invite you to join us in this mission and submit your most impactful work to Molecular Cancer Therapeutics—where the future of cancer treatment is being published.No disclosures were reported.