CVIR Oncology, the first journal dedicated to advancing the field of interventional oncology and related fields in cancer care and patient management, opened for submission today. To mark this momentous occasion, Editor-in-Chief Prof. Thomas Helmberger spoke to us on the background of the new journal, as well as his personal motivation and hopes for the future.
CIRSE: Can you share with us the background behind the decision to launch CVIR Oncology? Why IO? Why now?
Helmberger: Over the past two decades, interventional oncology (IO) has evolved from a pioneering subspecialty into a recognized pillar of modern cancer treatment. As minimally invasive, image-guided therapies continue to revolutionize oncology, the need for a specialized, high-impact journal dedicated exclusively to IO has become clear.
While numerous oncology and interventional radiology journals publish IO-related research, CVIR Oncology is the first and only journal entirely dedicated to this field. Our goal is to provide a global, open-access platform that showcases the latest advances in IO, from technological innovations to translational research and clinical applications.
Why now? The field of IO is experiencing rapid growth, with new therapies, combination treatments, and imaging-guided techniques emerging at an unprecedented pace. Recognizing this rapid evolution, CIRSE decided to expand its family of journals—CVIR and CVIR Endovascular—by launching CVIR Oncology as a dedicated platform for interventional oncology. This ensures that cutting-edge research receives the visibility it deserves, fostering collaboration across disciplines and helping to shape the future of cancer care.
CIRSE: Will CVIR still feature oncology articles? How will the two journals function together?
Helmberger: Yes, CVIR will continue to feature oncology-related articles, but CVIR Oncology serves as a dedicated platform focused entirely on IO. This specialization allows for:
The two journals complement each other: CVIR will remain the leading journal for general interventional radiology, while CVIR Oncology will drive advancements specifically in IO.
CIRSE: What is your own background with IO, and what motivated you to wish to be editor-in-chief of this new journal?
Helmberger: I have been actively involved in oncologic imaging, interventional radiology, and minimally invasive therapies for decades. My research has focused on tumour ablation techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), radioembolization, and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), as well as vascular interventions and advanced imaging strategies for abdominal tumours.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of contributing to the growth of interventional oncology— from pioneering techniques to establishing clinical guidelines and taking on several leadership roles in major scientific societies. As a founding member and past president of the German Society of Interventional Radiology (DeGIR) and an active leader within CIRSE, ESGAR, and ECR, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation of IO into a vital pillar of modern cancer therapy.
Becoming the editor-in-chief of CVIR Oncology is both a professional honour and a personal mission. I see this journal as an opportunity to shape the future of IO by supporting groundbreaking research, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that important findings reach clinicians and researchers worldwide.
CIRSE: This is the first IO journal in the world, and its open access. You have an impressive history in medical publication – can you tell us what has changed in the world of medical journals throughout your career?
Helmberger: Medical publishing has undergone a profound transformation over the past few decades.
The rise of open access: When I started publishing, access to medical literature was often limited to those with institutional subscriptions. Open-access publishing has changed that, ensuring that research reaches a broader audience, including clinicians, early-career researchers, and healthcare policymakers.
Faster peer review and publication: The traditional publication process could take months or even years, delaying the dissemination of important findings. With digital publishing and streamlined peer review, we can now ensure that high-quality research reaches the community much faster.
Increased emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration: Cancer care has become more interdisciplinary, with radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons working closely together. Journals now reflect this shift, encouraging research that bridges different specialties.
One of my proudest moments in medical publishing was co-editing and contributing to major interventional radiology journals, helping to shape guidelines that are now standard practice. With CVIR Oncology, we now have a dedicated platform to continue this work and push the field forward.
CIRSE: Who should submit articles to CVIR Oncology?
Helmberger: CVIR Oncology welcomes a broad range of contributors, including:
CIRSE: Do you have any tips, tricks, or words of encouragement for potential authors?
Helmberger: First and foremost, we want to hear from you! Whether you are submitting a groundbreaking study or a compelling case report, your work is valuable to the IO community.
Here are a few key tips for successful submission:
CIRSE: What are your hopes for the first year of CVIR Oncology? What is your vision for the long-term future?
Helmberger: In the first year, our goal is to establish CVIR Oncology as the leading journal in interventional oncology by:
For the long-term future, I envision CVIR Oncology as:
Ultimately, our mission is to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes. I invite all researchers, clinicians, and innovators to join us on this journey and contribute to shaping the future of interventional oncology.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
