Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
JOURNAL METRICS·Updated June 2026
Nature Reviews Cancer Impact Factor 2025 is 60.7 (Q1, Oncology, SCIE). Launched in 2001 under Springer Nature, this premier review journal commands one of the highest influence scores in cancer research with an h-index of 385 and a CiteScore of 65.2.
Since its founding in 2001, Nature Reviews Cancer has established itself as the definitive voice in oncology review literature. The journal publishes comprehensive, authoritative Review Articles that synthesize the latest advances in cancer biology, therapy, and epidemiology. With a 2025 Impact Factor of 60.7, it ranks among the most influential publications in the entire oncology landscape, serving as a primary reference for clinicians, translational researchers, and drug developers worldwide.
What distinguishes this journal is its deliberate focus on mechanistic depth rather than incremental reporting. Each commissioned review undergoes rigorous editorial oversight, ensuring that only paradigm-shifting topics receive coverage. This editorial selectivity directly contributes to the journal’s exceptional citation density and sustained prestige across two decades of publication.
IMPACT FACTOR HISTORYTracking Two Decades of Influence
The trajectory of Nature Reviews Cancer reflects the explosive growth of oncology as a research discipline. From targeted therapies to immuno-oncology breakthroughs, the journal’s Impact Factor has consistently mirrored the field’s most transformative moments.
| Year | Impact Factor | Change | JCR Category Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 60.7 | — | Top 5 in Oncology |
| 2024 | 64.7 | -6.2% | Top 5 in Oncology |
| 2023 | 60.5 | +6.9% | Top 5 in Oncology |
| 2022 | 56.7 | +6.7% | Top 5 in Oncology |
| 2021 | 60.1 | -5.7% | Top 3 in Oncology |
| 2020 | 53.0 | +13.4% | Top 5 in Oncology |
| 2019 | 46.7 | +13.5% | Top 5 in Oncology |
The table reveals a pattern of steady elevation punctuated by surges that align with major oncology milestones. The 2020 spike, for instance, coincided with widespread interest in tumor immunology and checkpoint inhibitor development. The journal’s ability to publish timely reviews on emerging therapies has cemented its role as a bellwether for the field.
SCOPUS METRICSBeyond the Impact Factor
While Clarivate’s Impact Factor dominates journal evaluation, Scopus-derived metrics provide complementary perspectives. Nature Reviews Cancer holds a CiteScore of 65.2, calculated from citations to all document types over a four-year window. This figure significantly exceeds the category median, reinforcing the journal’s outsized contribution to scholarly discourse.
The SJR (Scientific Journal Ranking) of 18.5 applies a prestige-weighted algorithm that accounts for the source of citations. A high SJR indicates that the journal is cited by other highly selective publications—a hallmark of genuine intellectual influence rather than mere volume.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor 2025 | 60.7 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore 2025 | 65.2 | Scopus |
| SJR 2025 | 18.5 | Scopus |
| h-index | 385 | Google Scholar / Scopus |
| SNIP | 8.42 | Scopus |
| ISSN | 1474-175X | ISSN Registry |
| Publisher | Springer Nature | — |
| Established | 2001 | — |
Key Takeaways
- Nature Reviews Cancer holds a 2025 Impact Factor of 60.7, placing it in Q1 of the Oncology category.
- The journal’s h-index of 385 reflects over two decades of sustained citation leadership in cancer research.
- With a CiteScore of 65.2 and SJR of 18.5, it ranks among the most prestigious review journals across all of biomedical science.
- Published by Springer Nature since 2001, it maintains rigorous editorial standards with an emphasis on mechanistic and therapeutic depth.
- Researchers targeting high-impact review publication in oncology should consider this journal for comprehensive, field-defining manuscripts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSCommon Queries Answered
What is the latest Impact Factor of Nature Reviews Cancer?
The 2025 Impact Factor is 60.7, based on Clarivate Journal Citation Reports released in mid-2025.
Is Nature Reviews Cancer a Q1 journal?
Yes, it ranks in Q1 (top quartile) of the Oncology category and has consistently held this position since its inception.
What is the difference between Impact Factor and CiteScore for this journal?
The Impact Factor (60.7) is a two-year citation average from Clarivate, while the CiteScore (65.2) is a four-year average from Scopus. The higher CiteScore reflects the journal’s broad citation base across review articles published over a longer window.
Who publishes Nature Reviews Cancer?
The journal is published by Springer Nature, with editorial offices in London. ISSN: 1474-175X.
How does Nature Reviews Cancer compare to CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians?
While CA holds a higher Impact Factor due to its clinical focus and American Cancer Society affiliation, Nature Reviews Cancer is the leading basic and translational oncology review journal, particularly strong in molecular mechanisms and emerging therapies.
What types of articles does Nature Reviews Cancer publish?
The journal primarily publishes commissioned Review Articles, Perspectives, and Opinion pieces on cancer biology, genetics, immunology, and therapeutic strategies. Original research is not accepted.
