Dr Shahla Vilcassim is a member of the Immunohaematology Research group in the Centre for Cancer Research.
Areas of interest
Research group
Biography
Dr Shahla Vilcassim MBBchBAO, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA is a consultant clinical and laboratory haematologist with more than 15 years of experience in the diagnosis and management of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and inherited blood disorders such as thalassaemia, and sickle cell disease. Her clinical practice spans tertiary hospitals and accredited diagnostic laboratories, including Monash Health, St John of God Berwick Hospital, and Australian Clinical Laboratories, providing direct insight into diagnostic pathways, transfusion dependence, and the long-term clinical burden associated with chronic haematological disease.
Dr Vilcassim’s research program at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research focuses on the role of iron dysregulation and inflammatory signalling in the pathogenesis and progression of MDS. Her work examines the early molecular and cellular consequences of disrupted iron homeostasis, demonstrating that altered iron handling and inflammasome activation arise early in disease evolution and contribute to ineffective haematopoiesis and clonal selection. These findings provide a foundation for improved approaches to disease stratification that integrate molecular, inflammatory, and clinical parameters.
Her research integrates clinically annotated datasets, molecular profiling, and patient-reported outcomes to better understand disease heterogeneity and identify clinically meaningful biomarkers. Through registry-based studies and real-world data initiatives, she works to ensure that translational research remains aligned with patient experience and clinically relevant outcomes.
Dr Vilcassim collaborates closely with national and international researchers and clinical colleagues to translate mechanistic insights into improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Her work aims to refine risk prediction, inform earlier intervention, and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals living with haematological disorders such as MDS, thalassaemia, and sickle cell disease.
