Dr Peter Lau
Medical Oncologist
A clinician and a scientist dedicated to delivering, expert compassionate care with deep expertise in immuno-oncology
Perth Immuno-Oncology provides compassionate, research led, personalised care for patients with melanoma, complex skin cancer and other tumours with immunotherapy.
Dr Peter Lau combines personalised clinical care with the latest in cancer research and clinical trials.
In the event of a medical emergency please call 000
Main Rooms: (08) 9386 1811
After Hours: (08) 9346 6943
Email: reception@perthio.com.au
Dr Peter Lau
BSc (Hons), MBBS, PhD (Uni of Melb), FRACP, GAICD
Dr Peter Lau is a specialist medical oncologist with over 10 years of experience in cancer care and research. He previously worked as a consultant medical oncologist in the Melanoma and Skin Unit at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for 5 years and completed a PhD in cancer immunotherapy. Currently he leads early phase clinical trials in immuno-oncology, laboratory research and is the clinical lead for the Melanoma cell therapy program at Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research. He has published over 25 journal articles in cancer research including clinical trial and laboratory based research.
Dr Lau’s clinical practice integrates medical research experience with careful, individualised patient care.
What is Immuno-Oncology?
Immuno-oncology or immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells.
The immune system consists of many different cells that form the body’s natural defence system against infection. These immune cells can also fight cancer, but some tumours develop ways to hide from detection. Immunotherapy helps the immune system identify and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Immunotherapy has significantly improved long-term outcomes for patients with melanoma, skin and a host of other cancers. However, careful monitoring by doctors with experience with these treatments is vital to manage potential side effects of immunotherapy safely and early.
Dr Peter Lau has a longstanding focus on immunotherapy in melanoma and skin cancers and contributes to clinical research and treatment development in Western Australia.
Patient Information
Your First Appointment
When attending your first appointment, being prepared can help you get the most out of the consultation. We suggest that you bring the following:
- Up-to-date referral from your doctor
To obtain the full Medicare rebate for your consultation, you will need an up-to-date referral. If you have been referred from a specialist, your referral is valid for 3 months. After this period you will require a longer referral from your GP for 12 months. - Medicare card and health insurance details
Please bring your Medicare card and details of your private health insurance (if applicable). - A list of your current medications and allergies
Please bring a list of all medications you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter items, supplements and vitamins. - Contact details of your surgeon or other specialists
- List of providers where you have had any blood, pathology or histopathology tests
- Support person(s) (optional)
You are welcome to bring a friend or family member to your appointment for support.
Your first appointment will typically run for 45 minutes and include a review of your referral, medical history and specialist assessment.
Your Treatment: Personalised and Evidence-Based
We specialise in the use of immunotherapy to treat cancer. Depending on your situation, the goal or purpose of treatment may be:
- Curative – to cure the cancer
- Control – to control the cancer and stop it from growing and spreading
- Palliative – to manage symptoms caused by the cancer
Each treatment plan is developed after careful review of:
- Your diagnosis and staging
- Your overall health and medical history
- Your personal priorities and goals
- Current Australian and international treatment guidelines
- Current research
The aim is not only to treat the cancer, but to support your quality of life throughout treatment.
Coordinated Multidisciplinary Care
Cancer care works best when specialists work together. Perth Immuno-Oncology collaborates closely with general practitioners, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and other specialists involved in your care.
Clear written communication is provided after consultations to support continuity of care. Letters are uploaded to My Health Record where appropriate to assist communication across the treating team.
Practice Information
We aim to make every part of your care as clear and straightforward as possible. Below you’ll find practical information about appointments, fees, treatment locations, and after-hours support to help you feel informed and prepared.
We kindly request that accounts are settled on the day of your appointment. We are a private billing practice, meaning all consultations attract a fee. Patients will receive a Medicare rebate for eligible services after payment.
For patients being admitted to a day unit for infusional therapies, your private health fund will be billed directly. No gap fees apply. Similarly, no gap fees apply for patients seen in hospital.
Please check your level of cover with your health fund. Patients should be aware that separate fees may be charged by other service providers.
We accept cash, cheque or EFTPOS (including credit card) payments.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible to allow your appointment to be reallocated to another patient.
Consultations
Hollywood Specialist Centre
Suite 52, Level 2, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
Phone: 08 9386 1811
Day Treatment Unit
Starcevich Ward
Hollywood Private Hospital
Monash Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
Phone: 08 9346 6954
Inpatient Admissions
Donaldson Ward or Gosse Ward
Hollywood Private Hospital
Monash Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
Donaldson Phone: 08 9346 6943
Gosse Phone: 08 9346 6853
People undergoing cancer treatment may become unwell from time to time. Outside of normal business hours, patients can contact Hollywood Private Hospital through the switchboard (08 9346 6000). Your call will either be directed to a nurse from the oncology service, or to a doctor. Advice on further management and urgent admissions can be organised in this manner.
Perth Immuno-Oncology collaborates with research programs to improve patient outcomes in partnership with other institutions such as Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research. You may be approached to participate in research projects or clinical trials. Such participation is voluntary, and you have the right to decline or withdraw from participation at any time without it affecting your care. Any participation is greatly appreciated.
Patient Resources
General Resources
A wide range of resources for patients and their families, including general cancer education, counselling services, support services for regional patients and support groups.
Provides information that displays the latest clinical trials in cancer care, including trials that are currently recruiting new participants.
US government website with information on cancer, cancer types and treatments.
Quitline is a confidential advice and information service to help you plan and develop strategies to quit smoking and stay smoke free.
Advanced Care Planning
Referrals
Dr Peter Lau welcomes referrals from general practitioners, surgeons, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and specialist colleagues for patients requiring medical oncology assessment and systemic therapy planning.
Areas of particular interest include:
- Melanoma
- Complex skin cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma
- Breast cancer
- Other cancers where immunotherapy may be indicated
- Second opinions
- Suspected cancer diagnoses requiring further investigation and coordination of care
Perth Immuno-Oncology aims to provide timely assessment, clear written communication, and close collaboration with the referring doctor and wider treating team.
For urgent advice or referrals, please contact us on 08 9386 1811 or via the Hollywood Private Hospital switchboard on 08 9346 6000. Referrals are preferred via HealthLink: perthimo.
Plan Your Visit
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 52, Level 2, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
Phone: (08) 9386 1811
Email: reception@perthio.com.au
Healthlink: perthimo
Perth Immuno-Oncology is located on Level 2 of Hollywood Medical Centre (G). The best place to park is the Multi-storey Visitor Parking (P), accessible from Entrance 5 on Monash Avenue.
Perth Immuno-Oncology
Hollywood Medical CentreSuite 52, Level 2, 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
Phone: (08) 9386 1811
Email: reception@perthio.com.au
Healthlink: perthimo