Shan Rajendra

Professor Shan Rajendra is a distinguished researcher in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of New South Wales, specializing in gastroenterology with a particular focus on the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and esophageal pathologies. His work is conducted through NSW Health in Liverpool, NSW, where he leads research investigating the infectious causes of gastrointestinal cancer with special emphasis on Barrett's oesophagus.

Professor Rajendra's research interests center on oesophageal cancer, human papillomavirus, Barrett's oesophagus, and the Barrett's metaplasia-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence. His laboratory employs histopathology and molecular biology techniques to investigate the mechanisms by which high-risk HPV contributes to esophageal carcinogenesis. A significant contribution to the field was his world-first demonstration of the strong association between transcriptionally active high-risk HPV and both Barrett's dysplasia and oesophageal adenocarcinoma, with increasing viral load correlating with greater disease severity.

His publication record includes 53 journal articles, 10 conference papers, and 1 book chapter, reflecting substantial contributions to understanding HPV's role in esophageal cancer development. The research has important implications for potential vaccination strategies against a subset of esophageal cancers.

Professor Rajendra maintains active clinical and research connections through his work at NSW Health, with his findings contributing to both basic science understanding and potential clinical applications in cancer prevention and early detection.