The OncoDaily Medical Journal (ODMJ) may publish formal post-publication updates—such as corrections, retraction statements, addenda, and editorial notices, when needed to keep the scholarly record accurate and transparent. These updates apply to peer-reviewed research and review-type articles and, where relevant, to certain other content types. Substantial issues in figures, tables, and supplementary/extended materials are handled using the same amendment pathways as issues in the main article.
With the exception of Editor’s Notes (see below), post-publication updates are published as separate notices, are linked to the original article in both directions, and are intended to be indexed alongside the article in scholarly databases.
Types of post-publication updates
Author Correction
Issued when an important error originating from the author(s) is identified and the error affects the integrity, clarity, or reliability of the publication record (for example, important mistakes in data presentation, figure/table labeling, method details, or key statements). A correction is used when the main conclusions remain supportable.
Publisher (Journal) Correction
Issued when an important error introduced during editorial handling or production needs correction (for example, formatting, figure assembly, metadata, or other journal-introduced changes that materially affect the record).
Author Name Change
ODMJ can update an author’s name on published works upon request, consistent with an inclusive approach and where identity documentation requirements are reasonable and respectful. The journal will explain (to the author) what can be updated across versions and indexing services.
Addendum
Published when significant additional information becomes available after publication that is important for readers’ understanding, but is not a “correction” of an error (for example, an essential clarification or additional context).
Editor’s Note
A short notice alerting readers that the journal has initiated an inquiry in response to concerns raised about a published article. An Editor’s Note is typically a temporary update used while information is being gathered and is not necessarily indexed.
Editorial Expression of Concern
A statement from the editors alerting readers to serious concerns about the integrity or reliability of a published article when the issues are substantial and the outcome is not yet fully resolved (for example, while an institutional investigation is ongoing). Expressions of Concern may be interim notices that are later replaced by a correction or retraction, or may remain as the final outcome, depending on findings.
Retraction
Used when the reliability of the findings is substantially undermined due to major error or misconduct (for example, serious analytical errors, unreliable data, plagiarism, inappropriate image manipulation, unethical research, or duplicate publication). Retraction notices are linked to the original article, and the article remains available with clear retraction labeling to preserve the transparency of the record. Retraction statements will typically note whether authors agree or disagree with the retraction.
Retraction and Republication
In selected cases where errors are extensive but a corrected version can responsibly replace the unreliable record, ODMJ may retract the original and republish a corrected version. The two versions are cross-linked, and the republication explains the nature of the major changes.
How ODMJ corrects the article itself
In most cases, ODMJ updates the article files (online view and downloadable version where applicable) and publishes a separate amendment notice describing the change. When changes affect data in figures, tables, or key results text, ODMJ aims to describe clearly what changed and why, and to preserve transparency about the original error. If technical constraints prevent updating an older published file, the original may remain unchanged, but it will be clearly linked to the amendment notice.
Removal of published content
In exceptional circumstances, ODMJ may remove content when advised that it is unlawful (for example, defamation or rights infringement), when removal is required by a legal order, or when acting on the content would pose an immediate and serious risk to health. If content is removed, ODMJ will retain basic bibliographic information (such as title and authors) and publish a notice explaining the reason for removal.
Post-publication discussion
ODMJ supports post-publication scientific debate. Substantive critiques, clarifications, or replication-related commentary may be considered for publication as Correspondence (and may undergo peer review when appropriate). When relevant, ODMJ may invite the original authors to reply so the exchange is available to readers in context.
Addressing concerns raised after publication
ODMJ investigates credible concerns raised by authors, readers, reviewers, or institutions. Authors are allowed to respond. ODMJ may request original, unprocessed data or documentation, consult independent experts, and—when potentially serious issues are identified, contact the relevant institution or oversight body. Outcomes depend on severity and evidence and may include a correction, addendum, Editor’s Note, Expression of Concern, retraction, or retraction and republication. The purpose of these notices is to inform readers and correct the record, not to assign blame to individuals.
COPE Guidelines on retraction.