Published on: Feb 17, 2026
Researchers at the University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB), in collaboration with King's College London (KCL), are leading a major new study to better understand why some older adults recover well from cancer treatment while others experience significant decline and how to help maintain strength and resilience after therapy.
Although advancing age is a known risk factor for cancer, treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy can, in some individuals, activate biological processes that resemble accelerated ageing.
By examining how the body biologically responds to cancer therapy, researchers hope to design targeted interventions that can reduce or prevent ageing-related changes triggered by treatment. Ultimately, the goal is to extend the years older adults spend in good health, enabling them to remain independent and continue engaging in meaningful daily activities.
The research includes analysing DNA for age-associated molecular changes, studying gut microbiome samples, and assessing alterations in blood and fat cells. Samples are collected at multiple stages before, during, and after surgery. These biological findings are then compared with assessments of cognitive function, memory, muscle strength, physical performance, and detailed clinical data.
Ken Cox, 82, from Tamworth, who joined the study, shared that after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2025 and undergoing surgery in March, he chose to participate as a way of giving back. He highlighted the supportive research team and expressed hope that the findings would benefit future patients.
Professor Thomas Jackson, Chief Investigator and Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Birmingham and Consultant at UHB, emphasized the importance of understanding how major medical events such as surgery influence the biology of ageing. By identifying why recovery outcomes vary between individuals, the team aims to develop strategies that improve recovery and maximize the long-term benefits of cancer treatment.
The multidisciplinary project brings together geriatricians, surgeons, and ageing researchers with expertise in advanced data analysis. It is supported by the Dynamic Resilience programme, funded by Wellcome Leap and the Temasek Trust.
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