Call for papers - Cancer-associated cachexia

Guest Editors

Michelle L. Law, PhD, Baylor University, USA
Olga Prokopchuk, MD, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 5 December 2025

BMC Cancer is calling for submissions to our Collection on cancer-associated cachexia. This Collection invites research contributions that delve into cancer-associated cachexia, exploring its mechanisms, impacts, and potential therapeutic interventions. We welcome studies that investigate nutritional strategies, biomarkers for early detection, and the relationship between cachexia and treatment outcomes, aiming to enhance patient care and improve quality of life for those affected by this debilitating condition.

New Content Item This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being.

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Meet the Guest Editors

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Michelle L. Law, PhD, Baylor University, USA

Dr Michelle Law is an Assistant Professor of Nutrition Sciences at Baylor University. A primary research focus of her laboratory is related to cancer cachexia-associated cardiomyopathy. She explores mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for impaired cardiac contractility and calcium cycling in murine cancer cachexia models, and metabolic aberrations that may contribute to functional deficits. She has additional interests in cachexia modeling, recently working on studies related to cachexia in the context of obesity and aging. Finally, as a Registered Dietitian, she is also exploring the effects of multi-modal dietary interventions for cachexia using multiple pre-clinical models.

Olga Prokopchuk, MD, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Dr Olga Prokopchuk is a specialist in general surgery with a strong background in molecular medicine and surgical oncology. She completed her medical training in Kyiv and Ulm before advancing her career in Munich. With a passion for translational research, she leads the Munich Cachexia Biomarkers Working Group (MUCABI), focusing on cancer-associated cachexia and biomarker discovery. Her clinical expertise spans general and oncologic surgery, and she has been recognized with multiple awards, including the FamSurg-Sonderpreis and the TUM Silver Medal for Research Mentorship. Dr Prokopchuk is committed to bridging research and clinical practice to improve patient outcomes in oncology and surgery.

About the Collection

BMC Cancer welcomes submissions to the Cancer-associated cachexia Collection.

Cancer-associated cachexia is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and a decline in overall health, impacting a significant proportion of cancer patients. It arises from complex interactions between tumor metabolism, systemic inflammation, and the host's physiological response to cancer. This condition not only diminishes patients' quality of life but can also adversely affect treatment outcomes and survival rates. As our understanding of cachexia evolves, it becomes clear that addressing this syndrome is crucial for improving patient care and therapeutic strategies.

Recent advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cachexia have opened new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions. Research has revealed the role of inflammatory cytokines, metabolic dysregulation, changes in muscle biology, and cross-talk between multiple organs and tissues in cachexia pathology, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches. By identifying biomarkers and developing targeted therapies, healthcare professionals can better manage cachexia and improve patient outcomes.

Continued research in this field may pave the way for groundbreaking therapies that not only halt the progression of cachexia but also reverse its effects. This could lead to improved nutritional support strategies and personalized interventions that address the specific needs of cancer patients with cachexia. As we deepen our understanding of cachexia's biological underpinnings, there is potential for significant advancements in patient care, ultimately transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.

Topics welcome to the Collection include, but are not limited to:

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of cachexia in cancer patients and pre-clinical models
Nutritional, pharmacological and exercise-based interventions for cancer cachexia
Impact of cachexia on treatment outcomes and patient survival
Biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of cachexia
Novel therapeutic strategies targeting muscle wasting and systemic inflammation
Rehabilitation and physical activity strategies in cachexia management

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Cancer-associated cachexia" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.