GCL TEAM

Professor Andrew Shelling
Professor Shelling is a chair of Gynaecological Cancer League and a head of the Medical Genetics Group. His research is primarily interested in understanding the molecular changes that occur during the development of genetic disorders, focusing on breast and ovarian cancer, and reproductive disorders. Prof. Shelling has worked in one of the world’s leading research laboratories in Oxford, at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, on the genetics of ovarian cancer. He served as Deputy Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2001-2013), President of the New Zealand branch of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (2002-2004), Deputy-Chairperson of the Advisory Committee for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (2006-2012), Associate Editor for the Human Reproduction journal (2004-2013), Associate Editor for Human Fertility journal (2012-2021). He is currently an Associate Dean (Research) the University of Auckland, an Associate Editor for the Human Reproduction Update and Clinical Genetics journals, on the board of the charity Breast Cancer Cure and an Acting Director for the Centre for Cancer Research.

Associate Professor Peter Sykes
A/Prof Peter Sykes is a clinical Executive of Gynaecological Cancer League, an experienced gynaecological oncologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He completed his undergraduate training in the United Kingdom and specialised in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in New Zealand. He subsequently completed his sub-specialty training in gynaecological oncology in Melbourne and his interests include gynaecological oncology and advanced preinvasive disease of the genital tract. He has an extensive publication and research funding portfolio and has participated in several national/international clinical and observational research studies.

Dr Michelle Wilson
Dr Michelle Wilson is a clinical executive of Gynaecological Cancer League and a Medical Oncologist specialising in gynaecological malignancies, sarcomas, and translational research. Michelle received her FRACP specialist qualification in 2013 after completing her training in Auckland. Following this she spent two years undertaking research at the world-renowned Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. During her time in Canada, Michelle worked with their Drug Development Team with a focus on gynaecological cancers, sarcoma and translating new treatments to better outcomes. Since her return in 2015, Michelle has been treating women with gynaecological cancers at Auckland Hospital. Michelle is also the Service Clinical Director for Cancer and Blood Research. Her research focus is geared towards early phase translational studies, the relevance of genetic testing in oncology and clinical trials design. She was awarded a post graduate Doctor of Medicine from the University of Auckland for her work on the challenges facing clinical trial design in oncology. Michelle is the New Zealand Board representative on the Australia New Zealand Gynae-Oncology Group (ANZGOG), an active member of their Research Advisory Committee and Deputy Chair of their Ovarian Tumour Working Group. She is actively involved with the international Gynaecologic Cancer Intergroup (GCIG) and locally with the New Zealand Gynaecological Cancer Group (NZGCG).  She is principal investigator of numerous gynaecological cancer clinical trials from Phase I to III. She has published in major peer-reviewed journals.

Dr Makhdoom Sarwar (Mak)
Dr Mak Sarwar is a co-founder and a co-chair of Gynaecological Cancer League and is an emerging cancer researcher. He is an executive committee member of the New Zealand Association of Breast Cancer Research (NZABC), and the Early and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) group – Otago health sciences division. He is particularly interested in exploring combination treatments, drug delivery systems and molecular abnormalities associated with tumour development and clinical outcome. His earlier research opened-up several lines of investigations related to the aetiology of ovarian cancer and the potential clinical use of experimental drugs as a means for treating tumours otherwise unresponsive to chemotherapy.