Prostate Cancer Research Pioneer Secures PhD in Genetics

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Dr Trevor Wilson graduated with a PhD in Genetics from UKZN, marking a significant milestone in a journey that has combined cutting-edge scientific research and personal motivation.

Supervised by Professor Oliver Zishiri, Wilson’s thesis was titled: ‘Mutational Analysis and In Silico Identification and Design of Biomarkers for the Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Determination of Personalised Treatments for Prostate Cancer’.

His research represents a critical step toward personalised prostate cancer treatment and offers hope for a more targeted approach in the fight against one of the world’s most pervasive diseases.

Driven by the urgent need for more accurate genetic tools in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, Wilson’s work employed computational genetics to identify gene variants most implicated in the disease. His study used predictive analysis to demonstrate that a significant proportion of observed mutations were likely damaging. Notably, he designed and developed qPCR primers and probes for clinically relevant mutations - an important step towards improved diagnostic and prognostic assays.

Explaining the impact of his research, Wilson said: “I focused on identifying different genetic mutations, such as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), Insertions and Deletions, and gene translocations, seeing what role they play in prostate cancer development and progression. With this information, I computationally designed probes to act as biomarkers to test for prostate cancer as well as possibly to identify personalised treatment plans for individual patients.”

Wilson’s fascination with cancer genetics stemmed from the disease’s global impact and complexity. “Cancer is one of the world’s leading causes of sickness and death and is projected to get only more common in years to come. As every type of cancer affects people differently, based on genetic alterations, everyone may have different expected outcomes and reactions to different therapies,” he said. “Therefore, if we can identify these alterations at an individual level, we may be able to predict the best course of action and allow all patients the best possible outcomes.”

Wilson hopes to continue contributing to the fight against cancer through both research and education. “I hope that I can help people in whatever way I can and at the moment that seems to be through this research and development of new, innovative ways to fight this fight against cancer. My hope is that I can get a position where I can continue my research while helping educate others and pass on the knowledge I have gained throughout my studies,” he said.

With his academic journey shaped by both his passion for science and a strong personal support system, he credits many people for their role in his success, particularly his late father. “He unfortunately passed away in the final semester of my undergraduate degree and could not see me graduate for any of my degrees so far,” Wilson shared. “But he was always there for me, whenever I needed him. He is the reason I have gone so far and why I continue to keep going, because I know he is watching over me.

“I would also like to thank my mom, Lorna Wilson, for her unconditional support, and my girlfriend, Andrea de Lange, for always being by my side through every aspect of my studies.”

Wilson expressed gratitude to the University and to his supervisor, Zishiri, whom he had worked with previously and who inspired him to continue his academic journey at UKZN. “He was an excellent mentor and I am very happy with how the course of my research with him transpired.”

Outside the lab, Wilson is a keen badminton player and has played league for the Yellowwood Park Badminton Club. He is also a skilled side drummer in the Durban Caledonian Society Pipe Band, a community he has been part of since the age of 11.

His drumming accolades include competing in the 2014 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, and placing third in the 2024 and second in the 2025 South African Solo Drumming Championships.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini