Letter from the New Editor

I have accepted the position as Editor-in-Chief of Cancer Control with pride and humility. My predecessor and good friend, John Horton, MD, ChB, deserves to be recognized as one of the founding fathers of Medical Oncology. His unique skills include the ability to train clinical investigators in defining the clinical questions and in proposing trials appropriate to answer those questions. As a modern Socrates, he led the young trainees to work out on their own the solutions to the problems they proposed. I myself took advantage of his masterful teaching as I passed my Board certification in medical oncology in 1979 thanks to his book, Clinical Oncology, one of the first textbooks of the subject. As Editor of Cancer Control, John made his analytic talents available to the whole world. For 20 years Cancer Control has summarized, clarified, and highlighted the most pressing and consequential issues of oncology for a worldwide readership. This fabulous endeavor has earned the journal universal praise and recognition. More than once, when speaking at a conference in a foreign country, I was introduced as a “Senior Member of the Moffitt Cancer Center, where Cancer Control is published.” In the opinion of some, the journal represents the signature of our center. John’s wife, Michele, continues to grace the journal with carefully selected works of art that entice the readers to discover the text. Attractiveness is an essential attribute of any transmission of information. In addition, John could count on a very competent, loyal, and hardworking editorial staff that makes a complex operation appear seamless. I feel humbled to try to fill John’s big shoes! I am also humbled because I am aware of the new and unique challenges of medical information. I cannot help ask what is the role of a journal such as Cancer Control in the era of instant communication, when the most recent medical advances can be “tweeted” to the audience a few seconds after being presented at a conference. Clearly, to approach this question, I need the input of individuals who have graduated and trained in the world of instant communication. As recommended by the Deputy Editor, Julio Pow-Sang, MD, I have gathered an editorial board composed mainly of young clinical investigators from most clinical programs of the Moffitt Cancer Center. I will remain attentive to their constructive criticism and their suggestions. I also encourage the readers to provide their feedback so that we can continue to produce a product worthy of its origin and its tradition. In the informal interview with a few of our former fellows now in private practice, I was heartened to learn that Cancer Control continues to represent an important reference for them. With John’s help, Julio’s help, the board’s help, and your help, I pledge to keep it this way.