Expert honoured for research and treatment of mesothelioma

An expert in mesothelioma from The University of Western Australia has been honoured with a prestigious award in recognition of his contribution to patient care, innovation in treatment and development of new research. 

Dr Wee Loong (Melvin) Chin, from UWA’s Medical School, was the recipient of the Emeritus Professor Eric G. Saint Memorial Award from the Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia. 

Image: Dr Wee Loong (Melvin) Chin receiving the Emeritus Professor Eric G. Saint Memorial Award.

Dr Chin, a medical oncologist at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and research leader at the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, has been instrumental in advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma. 

His research, particularly in utilising machine learning to predict responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments, is paving new paths in the pursuit of extending survival rates for patients with asbestos-caused cancers.

“I am honoured to have my work in asbestos-related cancers recognised by my peers,” Dr Chin said. 

“As a medical oncologist, I am driven by the hope of better treatment and outcomes for those facing this challenging diagnosis.

“This award also serves as a reminder of the collective efforts required to combat mesothelioma.” 

The award is named in honour of Emeritus Professor Eric G. Saint, a pioneer in the medical community's understanding of asbestos-related diseases and highlights the outstanding contributions of individuals in the fight against asbestos diseases and particularly mesothelioma.

Image: The Emeritus Professor Eric G. Saint Memorial Award.

Previous UWA staff honoured with the award include Professor Anna Nowak, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in 2014, Professor Gary Lee from the UWA Medical School in 2021 and Adjunct Professor Richard Lake from the School of Biomedical Sciences in 2022.