In 2026, many authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspectives and insightful views as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2026)

George R. Matcuk Jr, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, USA

Adriana Torres da Silva, Hospital da Baleia, Brazil

Outstanding Author

George R. Matcuk Jr

Dr. George Matcuk received dual B.S. degrees in biology and chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. He subsequently earned his M.D. from Stanford University. He performed his radiology residency and musculoskeletal radiology fellowship at the University of Southern California. He was awarded Resident of the Year in 2008, Fellow of the Year and Board Reviewer of the Year in 2009, and Teacher of the Year in 2011. After 11 years at USC, he joined Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in 2020, where he was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2021 and currently serves as the associate director of the residency program. He enjoys the interpretation of musculoskeletal imaging studies, including x-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, and collaborating with his clinical colleagues to optimize patient care. He also enjoys image-guided procedures and the relief he is often able to provide with steroid/anesthetic injections or radiofrequency ablation of tumors, such as osteoid osteomas.

Dr. Matcuk emphasizes that developing an original research project, presenting a novel case, or creating an educational review on a topic is quite challenging. However, once that idea is originated, the literature reviewed, and the proposal completed, disseminating this information as an academic paper requires overcoming several hurdles. These include overcoming writer’s block, organizing ideas and content, citing credible sources, creating illustrative tables and figures, coordinating with and merging content from multiple co-authors, and addressing feedback from reviewers.

Dr. Matcuk emphasizes that scientific writing requires rigor and must be backed by evidence. This process begins by clearly defining the question being addressed and formulating a hypothesis. Next, a thorough review and critical assessment of the current evidence are essential, focusing on identifying any biases or gaps. The evidence should then be curated, prioritized, and presented in a straightforward manner that is easy to communicate. It is important to incorporate both supporting and contradictory evidence while keeping the target reader in mind. The presentation should be transparent to facilitate critical review.

“I was happy to be invited to write an editorial commentary for Translational Cancer Research. As a radiologist, I am interested in how new technologies and techniques can be used to diagnose and predict risk factors for cancers, particularly sarcomas, from imaging studies, and how that might influence treatment and prevention. This fits perfectly with the aim and scope of this journal. The peer-reviewed and open-access model TCR uses ensures quality research is available to all,” says Dr. Matcuk.

(by Sasa Zhu, Brad Li)

Adriana Torres da Silva

Adriana Torres da Silva is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais and an otorhinolaryngologist at Hospital da Baleia, Brazil. Her research focuses on surgical anatomy and immunology of the upper airways, with particular emphasis on allergy and tumor-related processes. Her work integrates clinical practice with translational research, aiming to better understand the immune mechanisms involved in airway diseases and malignancies. Recently, she has been involved in a project investigating the immunophenotypic profile of tumor-associated immune biomarkers in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. This research seeks to identify potential diagnostic and prognostic markers, contributing to more precise and personalized approaches in patient care. She is particularly interested in bridging anatomical knowledge and immunological insights to advance both surgical outcomes and oncologic management.

In Dr. da Silva’s view, the key skill sets of an author extend beyond technical writing. Scientific rigor is fundamental, including the ability to design robust studies, critically analyze data, and interpret findings with accuracy and integrity. Equally important is clarity in communication—the capacity to translate complex scientific concepts into precise, coherent, and accessible language. An author must also demonstrate intellectual curiosity and continuous learning, as science is constantly evolving. Ethical responsibility is essential, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and respect for research standards. In addition, resilience and openness to feedback are crucial, as the publication process often involves revision and refinement. Finally, collaboration plays a central role, as impactful research increasingly depends on multidisciplinary efforts. Together, these skills enable authors to contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement and to the dissemination of reliable knowledge.

Avoiding bias in scientific writing, according to Dr. da Silva, requires conscious effort at every stage of the research and publication process. First, it is essential to base conclusions strictly on data, ensuring that results are reported transparently, including negative or unexpected findings. A rigorous study design, appropriate controls, and well-defined methodologies help minimize bias from the outset. In writing, authors should use precise and neutral language, avoiding overinterpretation or selective emphasis of results. Critical self-reflection is also important, recognizing personal assumptions or expectations that may influence interpretation. Peer review and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams further contribute to identifying and correcting potential biases. Additionally, adherence to established reporting guidelines enhances transparency and reproducibility. Ultimately, maintaining scientific integrity and openness to scrutiny is fundamental to producing balanced and trustworthy work.

“Academic writing requires significant time and dedication, but what motivates me most is the responsibility to disseminate knowledge that is clear, accurate, and truly relevant. I see writing not merely as a means of reporting results, but as a commitment to transforming scientific and clinical findings into reliable information that can be understood, applied, and trusted. As a clinician and researcher, I am driven by the opportunity to contribute to better decision-making in patient care and to advance understanding of complex diseases. Equally important is the role of writing in fostering transparency and combating misinformation in science. Engaging with the global scientific community through well-constructed and honest communication is, for me, both a duty and a privilege. Ultimately, the impact of knowledge depends on how clearly and truthfully it is shared,” says Dr. da Silva.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)