Dr Mahesh Iddawela
Dr Mahesh Iddawela is a clinician-scientist interested in precision Oncology, genomics and health services research and treat genitourinary, breast, and gynaecological cancer patients, as well as running the cancer survivorship clinic at The Alfred.
Dr Mahesh Iddawela did his medical training in London and undertook Medical Oncology training in Cambridge, where he did a PhD on translational breast cancer research at Cambridge University with Professor Carlos Caldas. Dr Mahesh Iddawela worked at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust as a consultant Medical Oncologist treating breast, gynaecological cancer and melanoma patients and translational clinical research trials.
Dr Iddawela has driven the development of research in regional Victoria since arriving in 2012. He developed the Goulburn Valley Research Unit with the engagement of the hospital and other stakeholders. After arriving in Gippsland, he continued to develop the research infrastructure and the research output from the hospital. As part of this work, Dr Iddawela started the Gippsland cancer survivorship program, which helped provide support after cancer treatments to a large number of patients in the region and attract clinical and translational trials to the region.
Dr Iddawela is also involved in translational biomarker research with the prostate cancer Research Group at Monash University, looking at the role of tumour and circulatory biomarkers in precision oncology and lead the MCCC Genitourinary Molecular Tumour Board. He has had publications in Lancet Oncology, British Journal of Cancer, Nature Communications, as well as presented at both national and international meetings.
Awards
- 2015 E.J. Whitten Fellowship, Monash University
- 2013 Don Walker Industry Award from Health Informatics Society (with Biogrid Australia)
- 2013 Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group Best Abstract Award
- 2012 Medical Oncology Group Australia Best Consultant Abstract Award
- 2006 Cancer Research UK Cambridge PhD Scholarship
- 2004 FECS/AACR/ASCO Travel Fellowship
Professional associations and appointments
- COSA Survivorship Executive Committee Member
- ANZUP Prostate Cancer Translational Research Committee
- ANZGOG Endometrial Cancer Working Group
Professional memberships
- American Society of Medical Oncology
- European Society of Medical Oncology
- Clinical Oncology Society Australia
- Australia New Zealand Genitourinary and Prostate Cancer Group (ANZUP)
- Australia New Zealand Gyneacological Oncology Group (ANZGOG)