| | | | Omico eNewsletter - March Edition | | | |
Dear $[UD:FIRST_NAME||]$
There’s real momentum in precision oncology as we move further into 2025—including a significant federal funding boost for both Omico and our partners at Children’s Cancer Institute.
This investment is a powerful vote of confidence in the life-changing potential of precision oncology and the collective advocacy from across the cancer community - and a win for all Australians affected by cancer. You can read more about it below.
Also in this issue, we spotlight UNSW’s Precision Care Initiative and how it’s supporting oncologists and their patients nationwide with specialised consultation services. We highlight the expansion of our national clinical trials network, the power of our unique real-world clinico-genomic dataset, and opportunities to collaborate. You’ll also find details on upcoming educational events and our podcast series that’s helping people better understand how precision oncology is changing cancer care today.
Thank you for being part of the growing precision oncology community. Feel free to share with colleagues and friends—they can sign up here to receive future editions by clicking here.
Omico
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More Australians to Benefit from Precision Oncology Thanks to Federal Government Support
On 6 Feb 2025 the Australian Government announced a $143.4M investment to extend two world-leading precision medicine programs—the Zero Childhood Cancer Program and Omico’s PrOSPeCT initiative. This funding means more Australians, both children and adults, can access the latest in precision cancer treatment. Brilliant news!
Of this, $30.8 million has been allocated to extend the PrOSPeCT initiative which provides Aussies with hard-to-treat cancers free access to comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and helps match them to innovative treatments and clinical trials to access personalised treatment for their cancer.
We are pleased to see the Zero Childhood Cancer Program receive $112.6 million as part of this announcement—a testament to the vital work of our partners at Children’s Cancer Institute to improve outcomes for children with cancer.
This investment affirms the government’s recognition of the life-changing impact of precision oncology and shows that advocacy efforts from Omico and other groups are making a difference. While we welcome this support for the extension of PrOSPeCT, we remain committed to advocating for broader, system-wide change through our PrO-HSI proposal—so that precision oncology becomes routine care for all Australians who need it.
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To refer a patient or learn more, visit: |
This initiative ensures clinicians nationwide can seamlessly integrate genomics-informed treatment and prevention strategies into routine care—advancing precision oncology for all Australians.
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Precision Care Initiative: Expert Support for Oncologists Nationwide
Navigating complex molecular findings is now easier with UNSW’s Precision Care Initiative—a dedicated service providing expert, patient-centred advice for oncologists across Australia.
This clinician support service offers one-time, Medicare-billed consultations (via telehealth or in-person) with a specialist molecular oncology team. Bringing together expertise in medical oncology, clinical genetics, and molecular pathology, the clinic provides detailed clinical summaries to support treatment planning.
Through a collaborative approach, the Precision Care Initiative helps oncologists by:
✔ Reviewing complex molecular findings
✔ Exploring targeted therapy options based on genomic insights
✔ Assessing the clinical significance of somatic and germline variants
✔ Encouraging oncologist participation in case discussions about their patients
The is available at no cost to clinicians or patients, as part of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) initiative.
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Almost 5,000 Listens and Counting – Tune into Omico’s Cancer Meets Its Match Podcast People are tuning in. In six weeks, Omico’s Cancer Meets Its Match podcast was streamed almost 5,000 times and ranked in the top 10% globally on Apple’s medical podcasts chart at launch.
Designed for patients, families, and the wider cancer community, this 8-part series shares real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance to help people understand how precision oncology and genomics are transforming cancer care – and what that could mean for them.
Hosted by Dr Ginni Mansberg, the podcast features conversations with medical experts, patients, families and advocacy groups.
Seven episodes are available now, covering topics from genomic basics to modern clinical trials, support resources, and lived experiences. The final episode – Future Prospects: What Lies Ahead? – drops Tuesday 1 April. Each runs for 20-30 minutes.
For details on each episode, view our online brochure: | | | | | | | |
Precision Oncology Comes of Age:
APOS 25 in Review Omico’s Australian Precision Oncology Symposium 2025 (APOS 25), held 7–8 March in Sydney, brought together 376 clinicians, researchers, advocates, and industry leaders – both in person and online - to explore how precision oncology is transforming cancer care today and shaping its future. Attendees rated APOS 25 9.4/10, highlighting the event’s quality, relevance, and opportunities for connection. “The symposium was professionally run... very relevant topics and engaging speakers… a wonderful networking opportunity and the collection of remarkable individuals showcasing their work provided so much hope for the future.” – APOS25 attendee. Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and delegates for bringing APOS 25 to life. - Silver sponsors: AstraZeneca, GSK
- Bronze sponsors: MPCCC, MSD, Bayer, Fore Biotherapeutics, Servier, Illumina, Merck
| | | | | | | | Webinar: Precision Oncology in Action: Omico’s Clinical Trial Matching & Real-World Insights Designed for professionals in pharmaceutical, biotech and research, this session showcases how Omico supports biomarker-led trial enrolment and leverages real-world data to support decision-making. A comprehensive view of precision oncology—from data to delivery, industry to patient. Highlights: · Optimising biomarker-driven trial enrolment - Prof. David Thomas, Chief Science and Strategy Officer · Leveraging Real-World Data for Impact - Leonie Bates, Business Development Manager · Industry Collaborator Perspective- Karen Cullen, PrOSPeCT Liaison Manager, joined by an Industry Representative · The Patient Side of Genomic Medicine - Beth Ivimey, Registered Nurse living with a rare cancer | | Date: Thursday, 3 April 2025 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (AEDT) Format: Live Zoom webinar | | | | | | | | | | Harnessing the Power of Omico’s Real World, Patient Clinico-Genomic Dataset
Omico has created one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive clinico-genomic datasets, with data from its two flagship programs—the Molecular Screening & Therapeutics (MoST) program and the Cancer Screening Program (CaSP) under the PrOSPeCT* initiative.
With data from nearly 18,000 consented patients with metastatic or poor-prognosis cancers – and continuously expanding -– this internationally competitive resource provides a detailed view of genomic alterations across rare and common cancers. Enriched with demographic, treatment, and health outcome data, the dataset offers powerful population-level insights to inform research, clinical trials, and the broader cancer landscape.
Omico welcomes collaborations to unlock the full potential of this dataset, and provides streamlined data access pathways, supported by a dedicated team of bioinformaticians, RWE specialists, and clinicians to assist with cohort identification and data interpretation. Last year, Omico supported approximately 120 data requests, supporting new clinical trials, advancing academic research (some now featured at major conferences), and helping industry partners optimise drug development pipelines.
To explore collaboration opportunities, contact us at contact@omico.org.au *Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials. | | | | | |
Our ONCTN Team: Sarah Poriters, Evonne Tim, Lucille Sebastian.
We thank the many sites, centres, clinicians, research staff and patients who make this network possible – together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable clinical trial ecosystem.
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us here: sites@omico.org.au | | Meet Omico’s National Clinical Trials Network (ONCTN)
Clinical trials play a vital role in bringing innovative, precision therapies to people with hard-to-treat cancers – offering access to new treatment options and hope. Omico’s ONCTN team exists to make these opportunities more available and accessible across Australia.
By attracting more biomarker-led and international trials to our shores, ONCTN is helping position Australia as a global hub for precision oncology research. Our national network now includes over 69 sites – up from 34 just two years ago – with 22 located in regional areas, helping to ensure more patients and clinicians can participate, no matter where they live. In the past 2 years alone, Omico has supported 72 industry-sponsored trials via this network, 16 of which would not have reached Australia without our molecular profiling infrastructure. | | | | | | | | | |
2025 NSW Big Ideas Oncology Seminar, 1st April Seminar: Genomic Guided Treatment in Cancer Date & Time: Tues 1 April 2025, 3:00pm–4:00pm AEDT Networking: 4:00pm–4:30pm Venue: Wallace Wurth LG03, UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney Join hosts Prof David Thomas (UNSW, Omico) and Prof Vanessa Hayes (USYD) for the April event of the Big Ideas Seminar Series, a joint initiative by UNSW, USYD, and Omico. Guest speaker Dr Nic Waddell (QIMR Berghofer) will share insights into how whole genome sequencing is shaping cancer treatment, including implications for identifying therapeutic targets and working with genomic data in partnership with Indigenous communities. | |
2025 MOGA Annual Scientific Meeting, August Theme: Beyond the Checkpoints – Navigating the Immunotherapy Revolution Dates: 12 – 14 August 2025
Venue: Melbourne VIC This event will bring Australian Oncologists together to discuss, learn, and plan as we pivot further into the rapidly expanding field of cancer immunotherapy. How clinicians navigate the ever-changing treatment options, moving goalposts of survival, and access to evolving standards of care will form the central focus. The program will include a comprehensive mix of scientific and professional sessions including dedicated trainee and YOGA content, oral and poster presentations, an extensive Industry Exhibition, and networking and social events headlined by the Annual Meeting Dinner.
| | | | | | | | For People with Hard-to-Treat Cancers, Carers & Loved Ones – Watch the ‘Cancer & Genomics’ Webinar On-Demand
Learn how genomic testing is helping match cancer patients to targeted treatments and clinical trials.
Originally held on 6 February 2025, this session was rated 4.5/5 for usefulness and likelihood of recommendation by attendees. Whether you missed it live or want to re-watch and share, the webinar is now available on-demand.
What you’ll learn:
✔️ How genomic profiling fits into cancer care
✔️ Tips for discussing testing and trials with your oncologist
✔️ What clinical trial participation involves
✔️ Insights from patients, clinicians, and genomics experts | |
Thank you to our expert presenters and patient speakers for sharing their stories and expertise: A/Prof. Mandy Ballinger, Prof. David Thomas, Dr. Greg Gaughran, Prof. Lorraine Chantrill, Meredith Cummins, Chris Mast and Marina Dunn. | | | | | | | | Team Omico Takes on the Kosi Challenge In mid-March, a determined group from Omico laced up their hiking boots and tackled Mt. Kosciuszko for the Kosi Challenge, raising funds and awareness for Australians living with rare cancers. Organised by Rare Cancers Australia, this annual event unites individuals and organisations in support of Australians affected by rare and less common cancers. A special shoutout to our Omico climbers—Ian Black, Matthew Britland, Eve Chao, Leonie Bates, and Jennifer Henderson— for stepping up in tough, hot conditions. We also acknowledge all climbers, donors and supporters - what commitment and generosity! Congratulations to RCA on another outstanding event! | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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