| | | | Omico eNewsletter - October 2025 Edition | | | |
Dear $[UD:FIRST_NAME||]$
Every day, more Australians are learning that understanding their cancer at a molecular level can open doors to new treatment options. More than 31,470 people have now been referred to our precision oncology programs (RiSC, SMOC, MoST, PrOSPeCT), through over 1,400 clinicians — reflecting the growing demand for precision oncology in clinical care.
In this issue, we share updates on leadership and program transitions, including preparations for PrOSPeCT V2 in 2026. You’ll also find new educational events and resources for professionals, alongside community campaigns designed to help people living with cancer — and the families, carers and communities who support them — know their options.
A special mention goes to Jason, Marina and Caitlin, who feature in this issue. Their experiences through our Cancer Screening Program (CaSP) highlight what’s possible when comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) guides treatment choices.
CaSP continues to provide free CGP and clinical trial matching for people with advanced, incurable or poor-prognosis cancers. Clinicians are encouraged to continue referring eligible patients through Omico.
Thank you for your ongoing interest, support and collaboration as we work to identify sustainable ways to embed precision oncology into mainstream care for all Australians who can benefit.
Omico
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A new Chair, a new chapter in our mission to transform cancer care
At its recent Annual General Meeting, Omico announced the appointment of Richard Vines as Chair, following the retirement of Paul Jeans, whose steady leadership guided Omico through years of extraordinary progress.
Under Paul’s tenure, Omico’s national programs have expanded access to comprehensive genomic profiling and clinical trials for tens of thousands of Australians, laying the foundation for a more equitable, precision-led cancer care system.
As co-founder and former CEO of Rare Cancers Australia, and Deputy Chair of Omico 2018-2023, Richard brings deep insight into patient needs and collaboration across government, research and industry. His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Omico strengthens its partnerships, extends its programs, and works to embed precision oncology into mainstream care for all Australians who can benefit.
We extend heartfelt thanks to Paul, and a warm welcome to Richard as he leads the organisation into its next chapter.
Pictured left to right: Mr Richard Vines, Mr Ian Black (Omico CEO), Mr Paul Jeans
🔗 Read the full media statement:
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PrOSPeCT 2.0 confirmed — access continues through CaSP
As 2025 draws to a close, Omico is reaching a major milestone — completing patient referrals into PrOSPeCT 1.0, Australia's largest cancer genomics initiative, and preparing to transition into PrOSPeCT 2.0 from 2026.
Clinicians should continue to refer eligible patients via Omico's Cancer Screening Program (CaSP) for free comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and treatment matching to clinical trials and advanced therapies.
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Launched in March 2023, PrOSPeCT 1.0 has enabled thousands of Australians with advanced, incurable or poor-prognosis cancers to access CGP and be matched to new, potentially life-extending treatments. We expect to achieve our target of 20,000 referrals before Christmas, with ongoing clinical follow-up continuing well into the future.
Across Omico’s MoST and PrOSPeCT cohorts, around one in five participants have so far commenced a clinical trial or a matched treatment outside trial — a figure expected to rise as long-term follow-up continues.
This impact has been made possible through funding from the Australian and NSW Governments, PrOSPeCT foundational partners Roche, Children’s Cancer Institute and the National Computational Infrastructure, together with many delivery partners and supporters nationwide.
PrOSPeCT 2.0 will commence immediately after PrOSPeCT 1.0, supported by a $30.8 million funding extension from the Australian Government. We continue to work closely with the Government to ensure PrOSPeCT 2.0 meets current demand through to 2027, and to identify sustainable pathways for mainstreaming precision oncology across Australia.
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Meet even more people that matched
In this next chapter of Omico’s Meet the People that Matched campaign, Jason, Marina and Caitlin share their deeply personal experiences with precision oncology.
Through comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and matching to personalised treatment options, each uncovered crucial information about their cancer — details that would otherwise have remained unknown, helping their doctors identify personalised treatment options that may not have been found any other way. "If I hadn't have had the testing, I certainly wouldn't have lived eight and a half years.” – Caitlin, 48, Sydney.
If you or someone you know is facing advanced, incurable or hard-to-treat cancer, these stories remind us that knowledge is powerful, and that asking your oncologist about precision oncology could change what’s possible — for you or someone you love.
A heartfelt thank you to Jason, Marina and Caitlin, the heroes helping others #KnowYourOptions.
Watch their stories, and share with those who might benefit:
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Welcoming Prof. Maree Toombs: Leading Omico’s Indigenous Engagement
Omico is delighted to welcome Professor Maree Toombs as our new Head of Indigenous Engagement.
Equity is central to Omico’s mission – ensuring that all Australians, wherever they live, can access precision oncology. Maree, a proud Euralayie/Kooma woman from north-western NSW, will guide our efforts to better support First Nations communities in this mission. | |
A distinguished researcher and leader in Indigenous health, Maree brings extensive experience working across research, health and education. She was awarded the 2023 Australian Mental Health Prize, and has partnered with more than 90 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to co-design culturally safe models of care.
Maree has already contributed to a recent PrOSPeCT extension funding submission, and will lead Omico’s Indigenous strategy – supporting: - greater access and participation of First Nations Australians in our programs, from Darwin to the Darling Downs,
- provision of scientific and cultural advice on data from First Nations participants, and
- strengthening Omico’s cultural understanding and awareness across the organisation.
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Lunch and Learn – Confidence in cancer conversations: genomic profiling and matched therapies
Every day, people facing cancer turn to community and patient organisations for trusted information, support and hope.
If you’re one of those helping patients and carers navigate their options, and would like to feel more confident talking about precision oncology, this session is for you.
Join Omico and Rare Cancers Australia for an interactive online discussion designed to help you help more Australians #KnowTheirOptions. The session will focus on comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and how it can guide matching to personalised, precise treatment options.
Hear from: 🤝 Jaime Macedo, Cancer Navigation Program Lead, Rare Cancers Australia 💬 Tenielle Jordan, Patient Ambassador living with a rare colorectal cancer, sharing her experience with CGP and matched treatment. 🩺 Dr Greg Gaughran, Medical Oncologist, Omico | | Gain practical insights, resources and confidence to support people exploring genomic profiling and precision oncology.
🗓️ Thursday 20 November | 12:00 – 1:00pm AEST
💻 Webinar 🔗 Register here: | | | | | | | |
Omico recognised for innovation in data and communication
Omico’s commitment to advancing precision oncology has been recognised across Australia’s leading communications and healthcare industry awards.
Our Cancer Meets Its Match campaign – created with partners Cube and Orchard – is a finalist in two Golden Target Awards (Health Campaign – Consumer; Not-for- Profit Campaign), and in the PRIME Awards for Best Public Health Initiative.
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Omico has also been shortlisted for Best Use of Data at the PRIME Awards, recognising our national data-driven clinical trial matching platform.
By integrating clinical, genomic and pathology data, Omico’s platform enables fast, accurate and equitable matching of patients to precision oncology trials. To date, more than 14,000 people with incurable, advanced or poor-prognosis cancer, including many from regional and rural areas, have received recommendations for matched trials or treatments across Omico’s programs.
This recognition reflects the dedication of Omico’s data, clinical and technology teams, whose work is reshaping how trials are designed, located and accessed, driving a more equitable and efficient future for cancer treatment.
Omico continues to collaborate with researchers, oncologists and industry partners to unlock the power of real-world data. To explore how our data and trial innovation can support your work, email contact@omico.org.au | | | | | | | |
International and local experts join APOS 26 Speaker Faculty
Omico's APOS 26 – Mainstreaming Precision Oncology: Transforming Care Through Science, Medicine and Equity – will bring together international and Australian experts to explore advances in research, clinical practice and policy bringing precision oncology into mainstream cancer care.
We’re pleased to announce three international speakers:
Dr. Vivek Subbiah, Medical Oncologist and Chief of Early Phase Drug Development, Sarah Cannon Research Institute (USA)– recognised for leadership in early-phase drug development and tumour-agnostic therapies.
Dr Andrea Cercek, Medical Oncologist and Co-Director, Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA) – advancing biomarker-driven approaches in colorectal and GI cancers, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for younger patients.
Mr Steve Williamson, Associate Director for Managed Access at the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK)– specialist in managed access and evidence generation for new cancer medicines.
We thank the APOS 26 Scientific Committee for their leadership and contribution in shaping the 2026 program: Drs Alex Jolley, Damien Kee, Greg Gaughran, Maya Kansara, Milita Zaheed, Sam Harris, with A/Prof. Mandy Ballinger and Prof. David Thomas. | | | |
Registrations (in person and online) open November 2025. We welcome Australian oncology professionals, including clinicians, researchers, pathologists, and leaders from the life sciences, advocacy, and policy sectors.
Sponsorship opportunities are available: | | | | | | | | What’s On: Events & Learning Opportunities | |
NSW Big Ideas Oncology Seminar: Presymptomatic screening can change your future and the future of medicine.
One of the most influential and pioneering figures in genomics, Professor Craig Venter — Founder, CEO, and Chairman of the J. Craig Venter Institute — presents the next Seminar to explore how genomics is transforming the way we treat cancer.
🗓️ Tuesday 4 November | 10:00 – 11:00am AEST 💻 Webinar event (online only)
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the scientist who led the first human genome project.
The Series is hosted by Prof. David Thomas (UNSW) and Prof. Vanessa Hayes (USYD). | |
Professor David Thomas Co-Chairs ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers 2026
Sarcoma and other rare cancers continue to impact patients and communities worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for research, collaboration and global dialogue.
As Scientific Co-Chairs of ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers 2026, Prof. David Thomas joins Prof. Eva Tiensuu Janson, and Dr. Claudia Valverde in encouraging researchers and clinicians to submit abstracts for the upcoming congress.
“It’s important that we encourage research into rare cancers otherwise we will never make progress... it can achieve public relevance if you gather all of those researchers and all that research into one space.” – Prof. David Thomas
🗓️12 – 14 March 2026 📍Lugano, Switzerland 👉Submit abstracts and learn more 👉https://www.esmo.org/ | | | | | | | |
Precision Care Initiative achieves publication milestone
Following our introduction to the Precision Care Initiative in our last edition, we’re pleased to share an important milestone — the publication of the team’s protocol paper in BMJ Open: “Integration of precision medicine into routine cancer care: protocol for the Precision Care Initiative – a research program of effectiveness-implementation hybrid trials.” | |
This national research program is embedding precision oncology into routine care through a new Precision Care Clinic (PCC) model and sustainable Precision Oncology implementation framework. Co-designed to support oncologists with coordinated, patient-centred decision-making, the PCC addresses access and infrastructure challenges in genomics-based cancer care.
With the pilot nearing completion, the clinic is fully operational and will continue to be supported through a suite of strategies designed to sustain implementation effectiveness. To date, more than 160 patients have been supported across all states and territories — almost 20% from regional and remote areas.
Omico strongly supports this important national initiative advancing equitable access to precision oncology. The published protocol sets the foundation for a transformative, evidence-based approach to making precision medicine more accessible, coordinated and impactful for patients across Australia.
📄 Read the full paper: BMJ Open
🌐 Learn more: Precision Care Initiative website ➡️ Referrals:
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In case you missed it!
The conversation around precision oncology continues — with rising community interest driving demand for better access, especially for people with incurable cancers.
From experts and advocates like Professor Michelle Haber (Children’s Cancer Institute), Christine Cockburn (Rare Cancers Australia), and Sarah McGoram OAM (Patient Advocate), to mainstream media highlights with Shelley Craft on The Aging Project, the message is consistent — precision oncology offers the possibility not just to prolong life, but to enhance its quality. | | | | | | | |
We hope you enjoy this update. Feel free to share it with colleagues and friends and invite them to [subscribe here]. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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