Dr. Selvi Jegatheeson

Dr Selvi is an oncologist who is pursuing a graduate degree (PhD) in Dr. Paul Neesom’s Oncology Laboratory at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Victoria, Australia. Her work will investigate the use of CAR-T cells in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors in dogs. These T cells are isolated from the blood of the patient, and using modern methods of molecular biology, made to be better at recognition and killing of tumor cells. CAR-T cells are approved by the FDA to treat a number of tumors in humans with success, and it is hoped this therapy will be helpful for dogs with tumors that are otherwise difficult to treat.

Selvi grew up in New Zealand and moved to Australia in 2012 to undertake her veterinary studies, after having completed undergraduate and postgraduate research in cancer biology and treatments in people. She completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Melbourne, and after a year in general practice, Selvi completed a medical oncology internship at a busy private practice. Following this, she undertook a three-year medical oncology residency at the U-Vet Werribee Animal Hospital, which she completed in 2021.

Selvi has a passion for research into novel therapies to treat cancer for both pets and people, and has fostered collaborations with several human cancer research centres in Melbourne. As well as an interest in research, Selvi is passionate about delivering exceptional care to pets with cancer.

When not at work as a clinical oncologist, Selvi is pursuing a PhD investigating immunotherapy treatments for people and dogs. She enjoys going on hikes, traveling, and spending time with her family. The WFA is proud to sponsor her as a Clinician-Fellow through the Canine Health Foundation of the AKC.