Leading Cancer Researcher Jonathan Zager Receives Honorary Doctorate in Gothenburg 

In the operating theatre, isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) is performed—a treatment area where collaboration between Sahlgrenska Academy and the newly appointed honorary doctor Jonathan Zager has played a significant role in advancing research and clinical development.

Photo: University of Gothenburg/Paul Björkman, Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

“Jonathan Zager is one of the world’s leading experts in advanced surgical treatment of melanoma and other difficult-to-treat tumors. For many years, he has collaborated closely with researchers and clinicians at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and contributed to the development of several treatment methods now used within Sweden’s national highly specialized care,” says Roger Olofsson Bagge, professor and senior consultant at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

The appointment was decided by the Board of Sahlgrenska Academy, chaired by Dean Jenny Nyström.

“Jonathan Zager represents the close integration of research, education and clinical development that is central to Sahlgrenska Academy. Through his collaboration with researchers in Gothenburg, he has contributed to new knowledge, academic exchange, and improved treatment options for patients with advanced cancer,” says Jenny Nyström, professor of physiology and dean of Sahlgrenska Academy.

Jonathan Zager’s research focuses on melanoma and the development of perfusion-based treatments for patients with advanced cancer. In particular, he has helped develop techniques that enable high concentrations of drugs to be delivered to a targeted part of the body, increasing treatment effectiveness while reducing impact on surrounding tissues.

His collaboration with researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy has spanned more than a decade, resulting in joint research projects, scientific publications and clinical studies. Through his scientific leadership and international networks, Jonathan Zager has also contributed to strengthening the University of Gothenburg’s global collaborations in cancer research.

He was nominated by Roger Olofsson Bagge, Lars Ny and Eva Angenete—all professors at the University of Gothenburg and clinicians at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

“Through our collaboration with Jonathan Zager, Sahlgrenska University Hospital has strengthened its position as an internationally leading centre for regional cancer treatment and melanoma care. His contributions in knowledge, method development and international networking have benefited research, education and, above all, patients,” says Roger Olofsson Bagge.