Cancer Evolution, Resistance & Prevention (CERP) recognizes the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), including generative AI and large language models (LLMs), in scientific research and scholarly publishing. The journal supports the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of these technologies while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity, authorship, and publication ethics.
This policy is informed by internationally recognized best practices, including guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA).
1. Use of AI by Authors
Permitted Uses
Authors may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with:
- Language editing and grammar correction
- Improving readability and manuscript presentation
- Formatting assistance
- Organizational support during manuscript preparation
The use of AI should not replace scientific judgment, critical analysis, or intellectual contributions made by the authors.
Disclosure
Any substantial use of generative AI or automated tools during manuscript preparation should be clearly disclosed within the manuscript. Basic spelling, grammar, or language-editing assistance does not normally require disclosure.
Author Responsibility
Authors remain fully responsible for every aspect of their manuscript, including:
- The accuracy and integrity of all reported data
- The originality of the submitted work
- Verification of any AI-generated content
- Appropriate citation of all scholarly sources
- Compliance with ethical and publication standards
The use of AI does not reduce or transfer author responsibility.
Authorship
Artificial intelligence systems, chatbots, or automated software cannot satisfy the requirements for authorship and must not be listed as authors or co-authors.
Likewise, AI-generated outputs should not be cited as primary scholarly sources.
2. Use of AI by Editors and Peer Reviewers
Editors and peer reviewers are expected to preserve the confidentiality, independence, and integrity of the editorial and peer-review processes.
Confidential manuscripts, reviewer reports, or unpublished data must not be uploaded into publicly available generative AI systems or any platform that may retain, reuse, or disclose submitted content.
Limited use of AI-assisted tools for language refinement or administrative support may be acceptable provided that:
- Manuscript confidentiality is fully protected.
- No confidential content is retained or reused by third-party systems.
- Editorial decisions and peer-review reports remain entirely the work of the assigned editor or reviewer.
Editorial decisions must always be based on independent scientific assessment.
3. Editorial Use of Automated Technologies
The journal may employ automated technologies to support editorial and publishing workflows, including:
- Plagiarism and similarity screening
- Manuscript management systems
- Reviewer identification and matching
- Editorial workflow optimization
- Image screening and integrity assessment
- Quality control procedures
All automated outputs are reviewed by qualified editorial staff before any editorial decision is made.
Human editorial oversight remains central to every stage of manuscript evaluation and publication.
4. Transparency
CERP promotes transparency in the responsible use of artificial intelligence throughout the publication process.
The Editorial Office reserves the right to request additional information, clarification, or disclosure regarding the use of AI or automated tools at any stage of peer review or publication.
Failure to provide accurate disclosure may result in editorial action.
5. Compliance
Concerns regarding the inappropriate, misleading, or undisclosed use of artificial intelligence will be managed in accordance with the journal's editorial policies, publication ethics procedures, and internationally recognized guidance.
Where necessary, investigations will be conducted following established ethical publishing standards, and appropriate editorial actions may include manuscript revision, rejection, correction, retraction, or notification of relevant institutions.
The Editor-in-Chief retains the authority to make the final decision regarding all matters relating to the application of this policy.