Press release
“Zombie cell” expert to speak at Ninewells Cancer Campaign event
A University of Dundee expert spearheading efforts to transform cancer treatment by eliminating so-called “zombie cells” will help relaunch a major Tayside charity.
Published on 14 April 2026
The Ninewells Cancer Campaign is returning to frontline fundraising with a special lecture hosted by Professor Vasillis Gorgoulis.
Based in the University’s Faculty of Health, Professor Gorgoulis will detail how research at Dundee has revealed new techniques in the battle to eliminate senescent cells, paving the way for improved treatment for cancer patients. He will do so as host of the Ninewells Cancer Campaign’s Rees Memorial Lecture, Decoding Cellular Senescence in Health and Disease, on Wednesday 29 April.
Dundee continues to lead the way in several areas of cancer research and was recently announced as host of the first UK trial of a new way of delivering an immunotherapy treatment. Over several decades, the work of researchers has been supported by the Ninewells Cancer Campaign.
Established in 1991, the NCC has raised to date more than £20 million and continues to support innovation and teaching in cancer research at Ninewells Hospital.
Christine Jamieson, Campaign Manager, said, “The Ninewells Cancer Campaign has been hugely successful and played a crucial role in funding cancer research in Tayside.”
“Thanks to the generosity of fundraisers and donors, for more than three decades we have been purchasing specialist equipment, training researchers and supporting science in our effort to fight back against this cruel disease.”
“Even without high-profile events in recent years we have continued to enjoy considerable support, which is testament to the work we do. But to allow us to provide the level of support required to keep us at the forefront of cancer research we intend to increase our visibility, ensuring that the public can share our journey as we battle cancer head-on.”
Professor Gorgoulis is a leading authority on cancer, aging and senescent cells, which are also coined ‘zombie’ cells as they are still alive within the body, but do not function as normal. These cells are no longer capable of dividing and can negatively impact the cells around them, over time weakening our tissues, organs and immune system. This subsequently leads to aging and disease. Because of this, the removal of senescent cells is anticipated to facilitate treatment of age-related diseases, such as cancer.
Identifying senescent cells is a prerequisite if they are to be successfully removed, but this has previously proven challenging. Current senolytics, drugs tasked with elimination of senescent cells, are unable to target these selectively as they damage healthy cells and tissue around them, resulting in side effects for patients.
However, Professor Gorgoulis and colleagues have been able to develop a senolytic platform capable of effectively targeting and eliminating senescent cells, with the efficiency of the model ensuring minimal side effects.
“This research is anticipated to yield significant medical and socioeconomic benefits, opening new avenues for precise mapping of senescence in humans and eventually treating age-related diseases like cancer.
“It is a great honour to have the opportunity to share this work with the public and explain why cancer research, like that supported by the Ninewells Cancer Campaign, remains vitally important.”
Ninewells Cancer Campaign’s Rees Memorial Lecture 2026 takes place at the Gannochy Trust Lecture Theatre, Ninewells Hospital, on Wednesday 29 April from 13:00-14:00
About the Rees Memorial Fund
Jack Rees was a devoted brother who, following the death of both his parents at a young age to cancer, focused the rest of his life on raising his six younger brothers and sisters. These events impacted his life and in memory of his parents, he left a legacy for cancer research. This legacy funds a memorial lecture series which encourages communication and discussion of new discoveries in cancer research for the benefit of patients in Tayside. The University gratefully acknowledges the generosity of Jack Rees.
Press Office, University of Dundee
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