Dr Dorothy Lombe, MD, MMed Radiation Oncology, FC Rad Onc CMSA (SA)

Dr Dorothy Lombe is a radiation oncologist based in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She is an academic clinician with senior leadership roles in medical education, clinical governance, and research development. She serves as Associate Dean Palmerston North for University of Otago Medical School Wellington Campus. Dorothy is active in translational, clinical  and health systems research, with a strong track record in collaborative, multidisciplinary cancer work.

Her primary research focus currently is glioblastoma, with particular emphasis on the development and clinical translation of liquid biopsy approaches to inform treatment decision-making. She is currently undertaking doctoral research focused on the development and validation of ddPCR-based circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) assays using plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, with the aim of enabling biologically informed, adaptive radiotherapy strategies. Her work aligns closely with GMRI’s strategic priorities in cost effective yet precision oncology, translational science, and the integration of laboratory innovation into clinical care.