| | | | Omico eNewsletter - July 2025 Edition | | | |
Dear $[UD:FIRST_NAME||]$
This month, Australia has taken another step in advancing our nation’s cancer care — with the launch of Genomics Australia, a new national agency, placing cancer care at the top of its agenda. At Omico, we stand ready to contribute the evidence, partnerships and experience needed to deliver precision oncology at scale.
The opportunity to transform cancer care is real and urgent. Precision oncology is already changing outcomes for Australians with less survivable cancers, and that change is accelerating. More than 25,000 Australians have now taken part in Omico programs — a major milestone in our mission to expand access to personalised care, particularly for those with rare, advanced or poor-prognosis cancers. In July we saw a record of weekly referrals to our Cancer Screening Program (CaSP) — a signal of increasing demand, and the need for precision oncology to be part of mainstream (routine) care.
In this issue, we focus on education: A save the date for APOS 26, other upcoming events, and on-demand recordings of recent events. Plus: an introduction to proteomic screening at Omico, growing public and media interest in precision oncology, top FAQs from CaSP, and recognition of the quiet achievers behind the scenes.
Thanks for your ongoing interest, support and partnership.
Omico
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Save the Date for APOS 26 Mark your calendars for APOS 26: Mainstreaming Precision Oncology – Transforming Care Through Science, Medicine and Equity.
🗓️ Friday 6 & Saturday 7 March 2026 👤 In Person & Online 📍 John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney | |
APOS 26 is designed for Australian oncology professionals, including clinicians, researchers, pathologists, and leaders from the life sciences, advocacy, and policy sectors.
We are delighted to announce our first international speaker:
Dr. Vivek Subbiah, Medical Oncologist and Chief of Early Phase Drug Development, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (Nashville, TN). Dr. Subbiah brings deep expertise in tumour-agnostic therapies and the global future of precision oncology. He has led more than 100 early-phase trials and co-authored over 350 peer-reviewed publications in journals including NEJM, Nature Medicine, and JCO.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available — align your organisation with this key precision oncology event and connect with a highly engaged professional audience.
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Registration details will be open in Q4, and the full APOS 26 program will be shared in due course. | | | | | | | | | |
Omico on the Global Stage at BIO 2025
Omico was invited to join the NSW Health and Investment NSW Showcase in June at the BIO International Convention in Boston — the world’s largest gathering of biotech leaders. Professor David Thomas represented Omico alongside colleagues from ZERO Childhood Cancer and ProCan in a breakfast panel titled Precision in Practice: Australia's world-leading precision oncology platforms.
Together, they spotlighted three national initiatives — including Omico’s PrOSPeCT, Australia’s largest cancer genomics program — that are expanding access to precision oncology and opening new opportunities for global research and clinical trials.
Being featured at BIO 2025 alongside some of the nation’s most respected cancer research institutions reflects the strength of our collaborative model and the depth of Australia’s innovation ecosystem.
We thank the NSW Government for the opportunity to represent the state — and Australia — on this international stage.
"It was inspiring to see strong international interest in the collaborative model we’ve built in Australia — and to share how precision oncology is being applied at scale," said Professor David Thomas.
Events like this help position Australia as a global destination for clinical trials and research investment — strengthening national capability and delivering long-term benefits for patients and the economy.
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Proteomic Screening: Omico’s Next Step Forward
Since 2016, Omico has been helping Australians with less survivable cancers access comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) — enabling more informed, personalised treatment options. Now, we’re pioneering another exciting development in precision oncology: proteomics. | |
Earlier this year, Omico began limited use of proteomic screening via immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the research setting. This approach looks at the proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, which are the targets of a new and important class of therapies called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
ADCs work like precision-guided chemotherapy — delivering cancer-killing medicines directly to cancer cells that carry their intended target protein. In principle, this promising approach means greater effectiveness, with reduced side effects.
Protein screening is not widely available; we are adding this to our current comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to increase options for matching patients to the most effective therapies.
As cancer drug development accelerates, it’s vital that Australian patients can access emerging breakthroughs like ADCs. We are starting with sarcoma, and as we build capacity, we plan to expand proteomic screening to other cancer types over the next 12 to 24 months. | | | | | | | |
Community interest in precision oncology is growing — so is the need for clarity and access
Precision oncology is gaining momentum in the public conversation — and for good reason.
From Beth’s story in The Sun Herald and Jason’s appearance on Sunrise, to a national segment on rare cancers on 10 News+, Australians are asking how modern science can help them — or someone they love — face cancer with more information and more options.
These stories show what that looks like in real life: where precision oncology can not only potentially extend life, but restore quality of life. They remind us what’s at stake — time, connection, and the opportunity to turn scientific progress into personal, evidence-based hope.
Omico has contributed to many of these national conversations — not just to talk about what’s coming, but to help people understand what’s already here. Through programs like CaSP and PrOSPeCT, precision oncology is available now, offering comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), treatment-matching, and clinical trial access for people with advanced, incurable, or poor-prognosis cancers.
Our mission is to bring the best of science to every person who can benefit. That means making options visible, understandable, and within reach — and advocating for precision oncology to become part of routine (mainstream) care, not a research exception. | | | | | | | |
Quiet Achievers, Powerful Impact: Who’s Making Precision Oncology Possible
Omico’s work is powered by a national ecosystem of collaborators — from hospitals and research sites to pathology providers, advocacy groups, industry, and government. Together, we’re accelerating access to precision oncology for Australians with advanced, incurable or poor-prognosis cancers. | |
As of July 2025, 25,000 people have now participated in Omico’s programs — a milestone made possible by the behind-the-scenes efforts and expertise of individuals across the country. People like Diana Stephens.
As a Research Governance Officer at the Mid North Coast Local Health District, Diana has played a pivotal role in implementing Omico’s Cancer Screening Program (CaSP). Drawing on her deep understanding of local and statewide health research systems, she guided the program’s delivery in her region — with flow-on impacts across NSW and Queensland.
CaSP provides comprehensive genomic profiling and treatment-matching to patients at no cost. Diana’s leadership helps make this a reality in her community – offering hope and, potentially, new treatment pathways for those who need them most.
Diana is nominated for the 2025 NSW Health Research Administrator Awards for customer service excellence. We wish her every success — and thank her, along with all the administrators and coordinators helping bring precision oncology to life. | | | | | | | | | | | |
Genomics without borders: A scalable model of precision oncology clinical care for national impact
As Australia advances in precision medicine, the challenge is not just scientific — it's systemic. The Precision Care Initiative (PCI) is pioneering a scalable, MRFF-funded model that embeds genomics into routine cancer care. Designed to integrate clinical service with research, the Precision Care Clinic established through PCI prioritises sustained, equitable access – reflecting key priorities for government, industry, and policy leaders seeking real-world, scalable solutions.
Genomic medicine holds immense promise, but its clinical integration remains fragmented. PCI addresses this by offering a nationally accessible, multidisciplinary model that supports oncologists in making complex, genomically informed treatment decisions.
Launched in 2023 at Prince of Wales Hospital, the Clinic has received referrals from every state and territory, with nearly 20% from rural and regional centres — demonstrating national uptake. It supports a wide range of cases, from time-sensitive treatment decisions to rare or germline findings, with referrals from genetics (57%), medical oncology (41%), and combined teams (2%). Fortnightly virtual multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings — with follow-up telehealth or in-person consults and fast-tracked germline testing where needed — facilitate cascade testing and family risk management.
PCI delivers distinct value to a wide range of stakeholders. For policy makers and government, it’s a scalable blueprint addressing equity in national genomic care. For industry, it generates real-world evidence and demonstrates clinical utility. Advocacy groups will recognise its patient-centred approach. And for clinicians, it provides expert support without adding to their workload.
“I believe these recommendations will make a huge impact to the treatment of our patient.” – Medical Oncologist, NT
“The MDT discussion achieves much more than we could as individual clinicians… that part of it is invaluable.” – Medical Oncologist, NSW
If you’re managing a complex case and would value timely MDT input to interpret evidence, discuss molecular findings and explore treatment implications: | | | |
Early clinical outcomes from PCI will be presented at the NSW Cancer Summit (13–14 August 2025) and the International Meeting of the Psychosocial Aspects of Hereditary Cancer (25–26 August 2025). | | | | | | Sharing Knowledge, Advancing Care: On-Demand Educational Resources
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As precision oncology evolves and moves further into clinical practice, Omico continues to support education and professional development across the cancer community — sharing what’s possible now, what’s next, and what we can learn from others.
Recently, we’ve contributed to national and international events on tumour profiling, tumour-agnostic therapies, and mainstreaming precision oncology — reflecting strong interest and a shared commitment to better outcomes through innovation and collaboration. | |
Thanks to our partners and hosts for the opportunity. The following resources may be of interest:
Podcast: Curious about what drives Omico’s founder, Prof David Thomas? (36 mins) Bedside Murmurs podcast — created for UNSW medical students, offers an accessible and thoughtful look at the human side of science and leadership.
Listen via Apple Podcasts Watch on YouTube | | | | | | For clinicians and research professionals: | |
Webinar: Melanoma: A Translational Platform Reshaping Cancer, Professor Georgina Long AO (60 mins) UNSW-USYD Big Ideas Oncology Seminar Series Click here to access
Webinar: Latest developments on the role of molecular tumour testing in pancreatic cancer (60 mins) Joint initiative from Omico, Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) & GI Cancer Institute, Pancare Foundation and Pankind, Pancreatic Cancer Australia. Click here to access
Webinar: Molecular Sequencing and Sarcoma (60 mins) Hosted by ANZSA & VCCC Click here to access | |
Webinar: Mainstreaming Precision Oncology (60 mins) A-CTEC webinar. Users will need to login to their A-CTEC account for this page to show the webinar content. Click here to access
Video: Tumour-Agnostic Therapies & Rare Cancers (7 mins) Click here to access
What Can We Learn from Early Adopters of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling? (60 mins) 2025 Biomarkers Conference, hosted virtually by CCRAN (Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network) — Canada’s national advocacy organisation for people living with colorectal cancer and their caregivers. Click here for agenda & information | | | | | | | | What’s On: Events & Learning Opportunities | |
NSW Big Ideas Oncology Webinar: Challenges and opportunities: cancer control policy for the 21st century.
A national leader in cancer policy is coming to the NSW Big Ideas Oncology Seminar Series.
Professor Vivienne Milch — Medical Director at Cancer Australia and medical advisor to the Australian Government on cancer screening will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping cancer control policy in the 21st century.
🗓️ Wed 30 July 2025
10.00am – 11.00am AEST 📍 In-Person: Webster Theatre A, Robert Webster Theatres (G15), UNSW Kensington 💻 Online attendance available
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a national leader working at the intersection of policy, genomics and cancer care.
Hosted by Prof David Thomas (UNSW, Omico) and Prof Vanessa Hayes (USYD).
We look forward to seeing you there. | |
NSW Cancer Summit 2025: Rewriting the future of cancer for the people of NSW
The inaugural NSW Cancer Summit showcases expert speakers, uniting leading minds to help shape the future of cancer prevention, treatment and care.
🗓️ Wed 13 & Thurs 14 August, 2025 📍 ICC, Sydney On day 1 at 11:00am, Professor David Thomas will join other speakers in the session “Precision medicine and the omics”, a focus on understanding the molecular makeup of an individual to provide personalised patient diagnostics and care.
Registration: If you are a medical oncologist or surgeon specialising in cancer, please register via the button below. | | | | | | | | | |
Rare Cancer Awareness Day: Turning Awareness into Action
Rare Cancer Awareness Day on 26 June was a timely reminder of the urgent need for change. Australians with rare cancers — including cancers of unknown primary (CUP) — continue to face delayed diagnoses, limited treatment options, and fewer opportunities to benefit from precision oncology.
A recent 10 News+ story (watch here) shared the experiences of Lauren and Natalie, alongside strong advocacy from Rare Cancers Australia. It’s a powerful reminder of the human cost of the existing inequity and the need to do more, faster. | |
At Omico, this challenge is central to our mission. Our commitment to improving outcomes for people with rare cancers underpins the Precision Oncology Health System Incubator (PrO-HSI) — a transformative national proposal to embed precision oncology into routine care, starting with those who have the fewest options.
By enabling free comprehensive genomic profiling for 5,000 rare cancer patients each year, clinical trial matching, and access to tumour-agnostic therapies, PrO-HSI offers a practical, scalable and cost-effective pathway to more equitable cancer care.
We continue to engage with Government, policymakers and the cancer community to help make this vision a reality. No Australian should be left behind — especially when the solutions are within reach. | | | | | | | |
Frequently Asked: Common questions asked of our Cancer Screening Program (CaSP) Team at Omico
When facing cancer, questions are natural — and finding clear answers can make a real difference.
We’ve gathered the top three questions commonly asked by cancer patients who are referred by their oncologist to our CaSP program — along with clear and concise answers.
Whether you’re a patient navigating cancer or a carer supporting a loved one, these FAQs may provide helpful information. | |
1. How can I access comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) for my cancer in Australia? If your cancer is advanced or incurable, or you have an earlier diagnosis of a cancer that has a poor prognosis (i.e., the cancer has a low chance of being cured or controlled by treatment), ask your cancer doctor (oncologist) to refer you to CaSP (Omico’s Cancer Screening Program). Via CaSP, Omico provides CGP to eligible patients at no cost.
2. Do I need to give consent when I am referred to the program? Yes. Once your oncologist has submitted your referral online, you will be contacted by the CaSP team to take you through the consent process. Patients need to give their consent to take part in CaSP.
3. How long does the comprehensive genomic profiling process take? It typically takes 8–10 weeks from the day you have given written consent to take part, to your referring doctor receiving your CGP results and any treatment recommendations in a report from the Omico Molecular Oncology Board (MOB). If your referring doctor flags that your case is urgent, your results will usually be provided in 5–6 weeks.
For more information and frequently asked questions, follow the link below. | | | | | | | |
Over 37,000 Listens and Counting! Our Cancer Meets Its Match podcast continues to be a valuable resource for cancer patients and their loved ones — whether through learning new information or creating a sense of clarity.
The series has been streamed over 37,000 times, reaching as high as #10 globally on Apple’s Medical podcast charts and maintaining a spot in the top 80 worldwide!
If you haven’t listened yet — or know someone affected by cancer who should — this podcast could make a real difference.
Hosted by Dr Ginni Mansberg, the 8-part series features oncologists from both metro and regional centres, leading researchers, advocates, and individuals with lived experience. Together, they explore how precision oncology and comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) are transforming outcomes for people with advanced or hard-to-treat cancers.
It’s essential listening — and worth sharing — so no one misses the opportunity to discover personalised options that could extend or even save a life.
🎧 Listen on: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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