Clinical Assistant Professor

Department of Clinical Oncology

School of Clinical Medicine 

Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine

The University of Hong Kong

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Professor Aya El Helali is a distinguished clinician-scientist with a strong background in medical oncology and translational research. She earned her medical degree with honours from the National University of Ireland Galway, where she was awarded the Gold Medal in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology for her outstanding academic achievements. She later pursued her PhD at Queen’s University Belfast, supported by the prestigious Sir Allen McClay Clinical Research Fellowship. Her doctoral research focused on biomarker and drug development, while her postdoctoral work explored innovative strategies to augment the adaptive immune system through novel drug combinations.

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Professor El Helali recently joined the Department of Clinical Oncology at The University of Hong Kong, where she continues to advance the fields of neuro-oncology and personalized cancer therapy. In addition to her academic role, Professor El Helali serves as the Co-Chair of the HKSH Medical Group - The University of Hong Kong Molecular Tumor Board (HKSH-HKU MTB) and holds the position of First Vice President of the Hong Kong Neuro-Oncology Society, having previously served as President.

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Professor El Helali’s translational research focuses on understanding mechanisms of immune-checkpoint inhibitor resistance and identifying novel therapeutic targets in central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Through her leadership role in the HKSH-HKU MTB, she has been instrumental in promoting personalized medicine for patients with CNS and solid tumors. Clinically, she specializes in early-phase clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies, with a particular focus on advancing treatment options for CNS and solid tumors.