Prof. Nik Pavlakis

Prof. Nik Pavlakis is a senior Medical Oncologist affiliated with Royal North Shore Hospital and the Northern Cancer Institute in Sydney, Australia. With over 25 years of clinical and research experience, he has established himself as one of Australia's foremost experts in thoracic oncology, with a particular focus on lung cancer. He holds conjoint academic appointments and has contributed extensively to national and international cancer research initiatives. Prof. Pavlakis is deeply committed to evidence-based, patient-centred care, ensuring that each patient receives an individualised treatment plan informed by the latest clinical trial data. He is widely respected for his ability to communicate complex oncological information with clarity and compassion, guiding patients and families through difficult treatment journeys.

Prof. Pavlakis completed his medical degree (MBBS) in Australia, followed by postgraduate specialist training leading to Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in Medical Oncology. He subsequently pursued doctoral research, earning a PhD that focused on clinical trial methodology and outcomes in thoracic malignancies. His fellowship training included rotations at leading Australian cancer centres, with additional exposure to international oncology programmes. He holds certifications in clinical trial conduct and Good Clinical Practice (GCP), reflecting his sustained commitment to rigorous research.

Prof. Pavlakis specialises in the full spectrum of thoracic malignancies including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymoma. His expertise encompasses chemotherapy, modern immunotherapy agents (checkpoint inhibitors), and targeted therapies including EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 inhibitors. He is a principal or co-investigator on numerous clinical trials, giving his patients access to cutting-edge treatments ahead of standard availability. He also manages complex cases involving brain metastases and multimodal treatment combining surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy.

Prof. Pavlakis welcomes international patients seeking specialist thoracic oncology opinion in Australia. He offers second-opinion consultations for patients who have received a lung cancer diagnosis abroad and wish to explore additional treatment options or clinical trial eligibility. Video consultations are available for initial assessment and remote follow-up, facilitating access for patients from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Royal North Shore Hospital has dedicated international patient coordination services that assist with appointment scheduling, medical record transfer, and treatment cost estimates. English and Greek are spoken in consultation.

Prof. Pavlakis has been recognised through multiple Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grants supporting his lung cancer research programme. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading oncology journals including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Lung Cancer. He has presented research findings at ASCO, ESMO, and IASLC World Lung Cancer Congress. He serves on the editorial boards of Australian oncology publications and contributes to national lung cancer guideline development through the Cancer Council Australia.