| | | | Omico eNewsletter - March 2026 Edition | | | |
Dear $[UD:FIRST_NAME||]$
Across Omico’s precision oncology programs, new milestones reflect what can be achieved when clinicians, researchers, industry and government work together to support patients.
1,519 clinicians have now referred 35,207 Australians, with 30,851 participating across our programs—including PrOSPeCT, MoST, RiSC and SMOC.
Each number represents a person seeking options, and a system working to respond. Through national coordination and collaboration across the cancer ecosystem, patients are able to access advances in science that improve cancer care—from prevention and early detection, to comprehensive genomic profiling, clinical trials and treatment options guided by the biology of their disease. This is occurring at a time when precision oncology is not yet routine care in Australia, and where sustained support is critical to maintaining this national model of access.
In this edition, we reflect on what was delivered through PrOSPeCT 1.0 (as we continue this work through PrOSPeCT 2.0), share new globally relevant evidence from MoST published in JAMA Oncology, and highlight the partnerships, expertise, infrastructure and education helping extend precision oncology access for patients across Australia.
We hope you enjoy this update. Feel free to share it with colleagues and friends and invite them to [subscribe here].
Omico
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PrOSPeCT 1.0: Celebrating Delivery—and Looking Ahead
In February, Omico brought together partners and stakeholders to mark the delivery of PrOSPeCT 1.0, Australia’s largest cancer genomics initiative, and reflect on what has been built over the past three years.
From March 2023 to December 2025, more than 21,500 Australians with incurable cancer were referred for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and matching to clinical trials and treatments. Through this, PrOSPeCT 1.0 has functioned as a bridge between innovation and routine care.
We are grateful for the combined public and private investment of $185 million that made PrOSPeCT 1.0 possible. This includes $61.2 million in grant funding from the Australian Federal Government through the Modern Manufacturing Strategy, $25 million from the NSW Government, and a commercial collaboration between Omico, the National Computational Infrastructure at the Australian National University, Children’s Cancer Institute and Roche Australia—the Foundational Partners of PrOSPeCT.
At the celebration, we heard directly from those experiencing its impact.
Beth Ivimey OAM, diagnosed with stage IV cholangiocarcinoma, shared how CGP identified matched therapy options through clinical trials. She has now outlived her original prognosis six-fold. As Beth reflected, “I look forward to things. There’s always moving forward.”
Dr Sara Wahlroos from Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, described precision oncology as an “ace up my sleeve,” ensuring treatment decisions are informed by tumour biology and opportunities for meaningful benefit are not missed.
Industry partner Servier noted that national coordination has strengthened confidence in delivering rare cancer trials in Australia—helping bring more studies to local patients, including those in rural communities.
PrOSPeCT 2.0 is now underway, with continuation funding through to the end of 2028 currently under consideration by the Federal Government. Sustained support will ensure uninterrupted access, while arrangements for embedding precision oncology into mainstream cancer care are considered.
Omico’s 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission, Securing PrOSPeCT for the Future, outlines the case for this next phase.
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New JAMA Oncology publication highlights impact of Omico’s MoST program
A new study published in JAMA Oncology highlights how precision oncology is helping improve outcomes for Australians with advanced cancer through Omico’s Molecular Screening and Therapeutics (MoST) program.
The research includes more than 3,300 Australians with advanced cancers, many with rare or hard-to-treat disease. It shows that patients who received treatments matched to their cancer’s genomic profile—and supported by strong clinical trial evidence—lived significantly longer than those who received unmatched therapies.
Median overall survival was substantially improved, to 21.2 months compared with 12.8 months, reinforcing the importance of using genomic information alongside robust clinical evidence to guide treatment decisions.
For many people with rare and refractory cancers, treatment options are limited. This study shows that while genomic profiling can open new possibilities, better outcomes depend on matching patients to therapies with proven benefit.
These findings also highlight the importance of access to clinical trials, which enable patients to receive matched therapies supported by evidence.
Commenting on these findings in The Australian, Prof David Thomas noted:
“Clinical trials should increasingly be considered a standard of care. However, access remains uneven—trials are only available at specific sites, and eligibility criteria can exclude many patients who may benefit.”
The publication has also attracted international recognition, with JAMA Oncology inviting leading precision oncology researcher Dr Vivek Subbiah to provide an accompanying commentary. Dr Subbiah describes the MoST program as a “landmark demonstration” of how precision oncology can be delivered at national scale, highlighting the infrastructure, collaboration and evidence frameworks required to translate genomic insights into improved patient outcomes.
This work reflects the contribution of patients, clinicians, researchers and partners across the national MoST network. Omico extends its congratulations to Dr Frank Lin (first author), Prof David Thomas (senior author), and the many investigators and collaborators who contributed to this study. It also underscores the value of coordinated precision oncology programs in improving outcomes for Australians with cancer while contributing globally significant evidence.
🔗 Read the research in JAMA Oncology
🔗 Editorial commentary by Dr Vivek Subbiah
🔗 Media coverage (The Australian, subscriber access)
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Catch up on APOS 26—and save the date for 2027
APOS 26, Mainstreaming Precision Oncology: Transforming Care Through Science, Medicine and Equity, brought together Australia’s precision oncology community at UNSW Sydney to explore what it will take to move from growing evidence and activity toward more consistent, mainstream use in cancer care.
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Across five sessions, speakers shared insights on emerging therapies, workforce and technology integration, germline precision care, and improving access for patients with rare cancers, cancers of unknown primary, and those in underserved populations.
A live Molecular Oncology Board (MOB) concluded the event, demonstrating how precision approaches can be applied in real time to inform patient care.
Missed APOS 26, or want to revisit a session? Presentation recordings (where speaker consent has been provided) are now available to watch on the Omico website, alongside the APOS 26 Summary Report.
Looking ahead—APOS will return for its 10th year in 2027!
If your work involves cancer care, research, genomics, trials, policy or advocacy, we encourage you to save the date—and share this with colleagues who would find it relevant.
🗓️ Friday 26 & Saturday 27 February 2027 📍 UNSW, Kensington
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Contributing to global frameworks shaping access to precision oncology
In March, Omico’s Chief Science and Strategy Officer, Professor David Thomas, played a leading role at the ESMO Sarcoma and Rare Cancers Congress 2026 in Lugano—an international meeting focused on improving outcomes for people with rare and complex cancers.
As co-convenor, Professor Thomas helped bring together a global community of clinicians, researchers, policy leaders and patient advocates, all working toward a shared goal: ensuring that advances in cancer genomics translate into real treatment options for patients. | |
A key focus of his contribution was the role of frameworks such as ESMO’s ESCAT (ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets). In a rapidly evolving field, ESCAT helps determine which genomic findings are most likely to benefit patients, based on the strength of clinical evidence.
This matters because access to precision therapies depends not only on scientific discovery, but on clear, trusted systems that guide decision-making. Frameworks like ESCAT support clinicians in selecting treatments, and help health systems prioritise and fund therapies where there is proven benefit.
For patients—particularly those with rare or hard-to-treat cancers—this approach increases the likelihood of receiving therapies matched to the biology of their disease.
Omico’s contribution to these global efforts reflects a broader commitment: not just advancing precision oncology, but helping ensure that its benefits reach more people, more consistently.
Pictured: Prof David Thomas with co-convenor Dr Claudia Maria Valverde Morales.
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Welcoming new expertise to our Molecular Oncology Board
Omico’s Molecular Oncology Board (MOB) brings together multidisciplinary expertise to interpret genomic data and guide treatment recommendations for patients across Australia.
We’re pleased to welcome new members, strengthening the depth of expertise behind every case reviewed. |
We asked: What drew you to join the Molecular Oncology Board?
Dr Elizabeth (Libby) Blackley, Medical Oncologist, Victorian Breast & Oncology Care; Alfred Health, Melbourne
I was drawn to join Omico’s Molecular Oncology Board after using the platform for my own patients and seeing the power of precision medicine in practice, enabling patients to access rapid genomic profiling and clinical trial options. It is amazing to see how quickly this field is progressing and to be a part of the process.
A/Prof. David Moffat, Clinical Director of Anatomical Pathology, SA Pathology, Adelaide
I was keen to help ensure that high quality accurate histopathological and molecular interpretation translates into direct patient care in this rapidly evolving field of precision oncology.
It's the combination of patient impact, equity of access, collaboration and continuous learning that makes contributing to Omico both professionally meaningful and personally compelling. | | Dr Richard (Yat Hang) To, Medical Oncologist, Northern Health, Melbourne
I joined because I’m dedicated to advancing precision oncology in Australia and helping turn innovation into real benefits for patients. Supporting more equitable access is also critical, so that molecular testing and targeted therapies are available to all patients, regardless of location or resources.
| Each week, around 185 patients with incurable cancer are referred into our Cancer Screening Program (CaSP). For those who consent and undergo comprehensive genomic profiling, the Molecular Oncology Board reviews results and prepares reports to guide treating clinicians on potential precision therapy options.
Together, they strengthen the expertise behind every recommendation—helping ensure more Australians, regardless of location or circumstance, can access the benefits of precision oncology, while building the real-world evidence needed to advance care for future patients.
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Strengthening cancer care access and delivery in regional Australia
On 17 March 2026, Omico’s Clinical Trial Network Manager, Lucille Sebastian, joined health professionals, researchers, community representatives and policymakers in Dubbo for the inaugural Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) Regional, Rural and Remote Networked Comprehensive Cancer Care Workshop. The workshop marked an important step toward strengthening more connected, networked cancer care—bringing together those across metropolitan, regional and remote settings to share what is working, where gaps remain, and how partnerships can improve access for patients.
Improving access for patients in areas of unmet need is central to Omico’s work. Across our programs nationally, 36% of participants come from regional, rural and remote areas, and more than 2% identify as First Nations peoples. In the Dubbo region, more than 70 people with incurable cancer have accessed free comprehensive genomic profiling through Omico. These figures reflect a strong foundation, but we know that more can be done to reach patients who may still be missing out.
For Lucille, the journey itself brought this into focus. A five to six-hour drive from Sydney to Dubbo reflects the reality many patients face when treatment is only available far from home—often compounded for those travelling even further from communities in far west NSW, such as Bourke.
Discussions throughout the day reinforced both the barriers and the solutions already in motion. Outreach clinics, culturally safe care led by Aboriginal health workers, and community-led support services are helping more people access treatment. But challenges remain—particularly for First Nations communities, people in regional and remote areas, and those with rare cancers—where distance, access and coordination can still limit options.
We thank Cancer Australia for convening this important workshop, and all those contributing their expertise and lived experience. Insights from this work will inform future collaboration, system improvements and practical actions to strengthen cancer care across Australia in 2026 and beyond.
Pictured: Omico’s Lucille Sebastian with A/Prof Craig Underhill at the ACCN Workshop in Dubbo. | | | |
Maximising clinical trial access for people with rare cancers
Rare Cancers Australia, in conjunction with Cancer Trials Australia, has released a new report exploring what it will take to improve access to clinical trials for Australians with rare cancers.
Developed following three focused roundtables in the second half of 2025, the report brings together input from stakeholders across the clinical trial and cancer care sectors.
The report outlines clear priorities, from making trials easier to access, to strengthening clinician networks, increasing trial activity, and ensuring evidence translates into funded care. These are areas of strong alignment across the sector.
At Omico, equity of access is central to our work. Through the MoST and PrOSPeCT programs, comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and treatment matching are helping connect Australians with clinical trials as a standard of care option.
This approach is already showing impact. To date, almost 24,000 Australians with incurable cancer have accessed CGP through these programs—two-thirds with rare or less common cancers.
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More than 16,000 have received biomarker-led treatment recommendations, with over 2,300 going on to clinical trials, and 1,000 others matched to therapies outside of trials.
This access matters for patients and their families, and many more Australians could benefit from timely access to CGP and clinical trials.
This is especially important as more clinical trials are focused on tumour-agnostic therapies—where treatment is guided by biomarkers rather than tumour type. Without biomarker screening, patients simply cannot be identified for these trials. Rare cancers often don’t fit traditional trial designs, but tumour-agnostic approaches allow patients to be included based on shared biomarkers across cancer types, opening access to clinical trial options where none may otherwise exist. |
We were pleased to contribute to this report, with input from Omico’s Clinical Trial Network Manager, Lucille Sebastian, and to continue working alongside Rare Cancers Australia toward a shared goal: improving outcomes for people with rare cancers.
👉 You can read the full report here
Pictured: Lucille Sebastian | | | | | | | |
What’s On: Upcoming Events & Learning Opportunities | | | |
The NSW Big Ideas Oncology Seminar Series continues!
The next seminar, Cancer Survivorship Coming of Age: Person-centred Personalised, and Precise, will feature Professor Bogda Koczwara, an internationally recognised clinician-researcher with expertise in cancer survivorship and supportive care.
Professor Koczwara, inaugural Director of the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship, will present research that has contributed to key advancers in the field of survivorship epidemiology, symptom monitoring, self-management support, and the use of patient reported outcomes in cancer.
🗓️ Wednesday 22nd April | 12:00 – 1:00pm AEST 📍 In-Person: Kirby Institute Seminar Room, Room 638, Level 6 Wallace Wurth Building (C27), UNSW, Kensington. (A light lunch will be provided). 💻 Online attendance also available
The Series is hosted by Prof. David Thomas (UNSW) and Prof. Vanessa Hayes (USYD).
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In case you missed it—Presentations worth revisiting | | | |
Big Ideas Oncology Seminar Series 2026
In the February 2026 NSW Big Ideas Oncology Seminar Series, Prof Mark Dawson, Associate Director of Research at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, presented Non-genetic mechanisms of therapeutic adaptation in cancer.
His presentation explored some of the big questions in cancer research—including what is needed to realise the ambition of precision cancer medicine beyond the genome, and what is the driving force for cancer evolution. | |
APOS 2026
Presentation recordings (where speaker consent has been provided) are now available to watch on the Omico website.
A highlight was the live Molecular Oncology Board session, offering case-based insights into treatment matching and real-world decision-making.
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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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