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The Lancet Oncology

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General Requirements

Language
English
Word Count
Up to 3,500 words (4,500 for randomized controlled trials)
Reference Limit
Maximum 30 references
Drug Names
Use recommended international non-proprietary name (rINN)

Abstract

Format
Semistructured with 5 paragraphs
Word Limit
Maximum 300 words
Required Sections
Background, Methods, Findings, Interpretation, and Funding

Text Formatting

✓ Auto-fix Sentence Spacing
Single space at the end of each sentence
✓ Auto-fix Emphasis
Do not use bold face for emphasis within text
✓ Auto-fix Decimal Points
Must be midline (23·4 not 23.4)
Numbers
Numbers one to ten written out (except measurements, figures, tables)
✓ Auto-fix Paragraphs
Use single hard returns to separate paragraphs. No tabs or indents.

References

Style
Vancouver numbering style
Format
Superscripted number after any punctuation mark
Citation Order
References must be numbered in order of first citation
Author Limits
6 or fewer: list all; 7 or more: first 3 followed by et al
References Cited
All references must be cited in the text

Figures and Images

Resolution
Minimum 300 dpi at printed size
Minimum Width
107 mm
Image Formats
.tif and .jpeg preferred
Vector Graphics
Non-photographic work must be editable vector format (.ai, .eps, .svg)

Reporting Guidelines

RCTs
Must conform to CONSORT 2025 guidelines
Meta-analyses
PRISMA guidelines
Observational Studies
STROBE statement