Cancer accounts for millions of deaths every year, and the burden of this disease is striking - testing our families, health-care systems, economies, and our scientists. In recent years, the outstanding work of researchers and vast improvements in technology has led to remarkable strides in progress. We are now able to prevent at least one third of cancers and have adapted routine-screening techniques for early detection and effective treatment. Our ability to treat and manage this shape-shifting disease has also transformed, as we have developed sophisticated therapies and adopted more tailored approaches. As a result, survival rates are reaching new highs each year, and the outlook for those affected is improving. However, there are still areas that require our attention. Unfortunately, inequalities are well known in the field. In areas where resources are scarce and outreach is limited, cancer patients do not have access to educational programs, timely diagnosis and quality treatment. Significant knowledge-gaps also exist within cancer research, with many minority populations being underrepresented in clinical trials and underreported within the literature. Considering that scientific progress relies on the publication and dissemination of research, the lack of access to primary literature also falters, with many breakthroughs hidden behind paywalls. This not only affects clinicians and researchers, reinforcing a negative feedback-loop for researchers already struggling to obtain sufficient funding, but inhibits the next generation of curious students. Each year, February 4th marks World Cancer Day; a movement dedicated to channeling awareness, education, and unity into collective initiatives and global action against one of medicine’s toughest challenges. The theme of 2021, “I Am and I Will” was one of power, encouraging commitment and togetherness; a sentiment resonating in today’s turbulent world. In honor of this day, Frontiers in Oncology has invited a retrospective of articles from our Specialty Chief Editors, highlighting current, international challenges in their corresponding fields of oncology. Our goal is to empower continuous discussion between communities and across borders, drawing attention to the disparities faced in the field. Our achievements should be shared to maximize impact and facilitate opportunities worldwide. We know that cancer does not discriminate. So, neither should we. We also take this opportunity to thank the wider community for their continued efforts in allowing for accelerated scientific developments, and most importantly for working with us on our mission to make science open. Nicola Faramarzi, PhD On behalf of the Frontiers in Oncology Editorial Office

Cancer Cervix is the 4th most common cancer in women around the world. India accounts for approximately 25% of global prevalence. A study published in 2014 stated the crude incidence rate of cancer cervix is 20.2 per one lakh population in our country. In our state, Odisha, there has been a gross increase of incidence approximately by 4% between 2008 and 2011. Also, cancer cervix is the leading cause of cancer death in women in under developed countries. Pap smear has been the gold standard screening test for cervical cancer since its introduction in 1949. It has helped reducing the cervical cancer mortality rates roughly to half. New technology like immunocytochemistry assay for the simultaneous qualitative detection of the p16 and Ki-67 proteins in cervical cytology preparations is an adjunct to routine pap screening for high grade CIN with HPV infection. Besides a potent vaccine against high risk HPV (type 16, 18) are available which can prevent 70% of all cancer cervix. At present, cancer cervix is a disease of great public health importance. Spreading awareness is lacking in our population. The ABC Foundation of Cuttack, working in the field of public health since 2007, carried out a survey in 2011 in a group of population with educational qualification from Matric to M.A. and observed that 87.5% members were not aware of the role of HPV in causation of cancer cervix. This provoked us to organize a programme on cancer cervix eradication in 2011. The highlights of this programme were the presence of Dr. P.C. Mohapatra, President of Federation of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Society of India (FOGSI) and Dr. N.C. Parija, President, Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM) and their deliberations and suggestions boosted us to continue our efforts. As a part of this programme, we are - 1. trying to coordinate the activities of similar workers and organisations and recognising their work by honouring them in different fora. 2. trying to re-orient medical personnels regarding diagnosis, management and prevention of cancer cervix through CME, symposia, seminar, lectures, workshops etc. 3. trying to create awareness among people regarding the signs & symptoms of cancer cervix and the role of pap smear examination in early diagnosis of cancer cervix. 4. trying to create awareness among people that HPV infection is the main culprit for development of cancer cervix and a potent vaccine is available to prevent HPV infection. 5. trying to educate people to vaccinate their daughters against HPV infections and motivate mothers to do regular pap test for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer cervix. We are aware that people all over the world are organizing such programmes in different ways in their own regions. We have decided to observe “a day” as world cancer cervix eradication day during which we will try to co-ordinate the activities of similar workers and organizations with an aim to eradicate cancer cervix from our globe. The break through discovery “HPV infection causes cancer cervix” for which the Nobel prize for physiology or medicine was awarded in 2008 to Dr. Harald zur Hausen, and subsequent availability of vaccine against HPV infection has encouraged us to think in the direction of cancer cervix eradication. We, therefore, thought that the birthday of Dr. Harald zur Hausen on 11th March would be the most appropriate day to observe World Cancer Cervix Eradication Day. On this day we will audit all our activities till date and will endeavour to coordinate activities of others in this field to create awareness for eradicating cancer cervix. Since 2011, we are observing “World Cancer Cervix Eradication Day” at Cuttack. This year we are going to organise the 13th World Cancer Cervix Eradication Day on 11th March 2023 at AHPGIC, Cuttack.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of all aspects of childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, from basic biology to supportive care. It offers new insights into the genetic pre-disposition to the condition and discusses how response to early therapy and its basic biology are utilized to develop new prognostic stratification systems and target therapy. Readers will learn about current treatment and outcomes, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy approaches. Supportive care and management of the condition in resource poor countries are also discussed in detail. This is an indispensable guide for research and laboratory scientists, pediatric hematologists as well as specialist nurses involved in the care of childhood leukemia.

Almost nine months since the first recorded case, the novel betacoronovirus; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has now passed 18 million confirmed cases. The multi-disciplinary work of researchers worldwide has provided a far deeper understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis, clinical treatment and outcomes, lethality, disease-spread dynamics, period of infectivity, containment interventions, as well as providing a wealth of relevant epidemiological data. With 27 vaccines currently undergoing human trials, and countries worldwide continuing to battle case numbers, or prepare for resurgences, the need for efficient, high-quality pipelines for peer-reviewed research remains as crucial as ever.

This book analyzes all aspects of metronomic chemotherapy, a new approach involving low-dose, long-term, and frequently administered therapy that has preclinical and clinical activity in various tumors. After an opening section on the pharmacological bases of metronomic chemotherapy, including its antiangiogenic effects and impact on immunity, preclinical studies on various classes of drug are discussed. Clinical applications of metronomic chemotherapy in a wide variety of tumors are then addressed in detail, with description of the results of all published studies. The clinical pharmacology of metronomic chemotherapy is also considered in depth, encompassing pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, pharmacoeconomics, and adverse drug reactions. The book closes by describing the role of this therapy in the veterinarian clinic.