| | | | Omico eNewsletter - July 2026 Edition | | | |
Dear
Precision oncology can make a difference across the cancer journey - from surveillance for people with inherited cancer risk to matching someone with advanced cancer to a clinical trial.
In this edition, two stories from Omico’s SMOC program explore why surveillance matters for adults and children with heritable cancer predisposition. We also share Emily’s experience of accessing a matched trial in regional Australia, new screening and real-world data initiatives, upcoming events and insights from across the cancer community — including an opportunity for oncology clinicians to share their perspectives on Molecular Tumour Boards.
Thank you for your continued advocacy, partnership and support for our mission to improve outcomes for Australians affected by cancer through precision oncology.
We hope you enjoy this update, and invite you to share it with colleagues and friends or encourage them to subscribe here.
With thanks, The Omico Team
| | | | | | | | | |
New biomarker screening pilot for gynaecological cancers
Omico has recently introduced a new research-use-only biomarker screening pilot for patients with gynaecological cancers.
The pilot will be available to newly referred patients to CaSP with primary tumours arising from the gynaecological tract, including ovarian, peritoneal and uterine cancers, where sufficient tumour tissue is available. This testing will be conducted in addition to the comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) they receive through CaSP.
From mid-July, the pilot will use immunohistochemistry (IHC) to screen tumour samples for FOLR1, TROP2 and B7-H3 — emerging therapeutic targets attracting increasing interest in the development of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies.
Initially, 5–10 patient samples will be screened each week, increasing to up to 15 samples per week as capacity grows. Cases will be allocated on a first-in, first-served basis.
Through this pilot, patients may have their tumours screened for emerging therapeutic targets that are not routinely assessed in standard care — helping identify clinical trial opportunities for targeted therapies that may not otherwise have been considered, while also generating evidence to advance precision oncology for Australians living with gynaecological cancers.
This testing is for research use only and is designed to support biomarker-led research and future clinical trial opportunities in gynaecological cancers.
| | | | | | | | | |
APOS 27: The 10th Australian Precision Oncology Symposium
Explore the Next Horizons in Precision Oncology
Join Australia’s precision oncology community for knowledge-sharing, connection and discussion about what lies ahead.
APOS 27 will bring together leaders and emerging voices from across research, clinical care, pathology, industry, advocacy and policy.
🗓️ Friday 26 & Saturday 27 February 2027 👤 In Person & Online 📍 John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney
Planning is well underway, led by the APOS 27 Program Committee and its Chair, A/Prof Mandy Ballinger. The committee brings together expertise spanning medical oncology, pathology, research and other areas of precision oncology.
APOS 27 will feature keynote speaker Professor Eduardo Vilar-Sanchez, who brings internationally recognised expertise in hereditary cancer syndromes, particularly Lynch syndrome, and in developing cancer interception and immunoprevention strategies. He is principal investigator of the NOUS-209 trial, which is investigating an experimental vaccine designed to help the immune system recognise and target precancerous and cancerous cells in people with Lynch syndrome. Earlier this year, he received the 2026 ASCO–American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Award for his contributions to cancer prevention, including his work to advance cancer interception and personalised prevention for people at high inherited risk.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available — align your organisation with this key precision oncology event and connect with a highly engaged professional audience.
| | | |
Registration will open in Q4 2026. Further keynote speakers and details of the scientific program will be announced in the coming months.
| | | | | |
Tracy shares her story to help raise awareness of hereditary cancer risk
When Tracy Hutchinson from Sydney discovered she had Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare inherited cancer predisposition syndrome, it finally provided answers to a family history marked by multiple cancer diagnoses.
In a moving first-person story for New Scientist, Tracy shares what it’s like to live with an extremely high lifetime cancer risk, her experience as a participant in Omico’s SMOC+ research program, and the anxiety and reassurance that come with annual whole-body MRI surveillance — knowing cancers may be detected at an earlier stage, when they are hopefully still treatable.
Established in 2012, SMOC+ (the Surveillance study in Multi-Organ Cancer prone syndromes), is one of Omico’s longstanding cohort research programs. Evidence generated through SMOC helped support the successful MBS submission to fund annual whole-body MRI for people with Li-Fraumeni syndrome from 1 March 2023, helping transform surveillance options for LFS families.
| | | | | | | |
Omico’s SMOC Junior shows why inherited cancer risk surveillance matters
Around 10–16% of children and young people diagnosed with cancer have an underlying heritable cancer predisposition. This means they have a genetic change present from birth that increases their risk of cancer and may run in their family. Identifying this change is only the beginning: ongoing surveillance — regular screening for early signs of cancer — is a key part of managing their risk.
Omico’s SMOC Junior research study is investigating cancer surveillance for children and young people with genetic variants associated with multi-organ cancer risk — an increased risk of developing cancers in different parts of the body. Each participant receives an individual screening plan, which may include physical examinations, whole-body and brain MRI, abdominal ultrasound and other investigations.
Early clinical findings presented by Omico’s A/Professor Mandy Ballinger at the UNSW Cancer Symposium in June demonstrate why this work matters. Among the study’s 20 participants, SMOC Junior has detected four new primary cancers in three individuals. These were new, separate cancers rather than recurrences or the spread of an existing cancer.
| |
Evidence and agreed guidelines for surveillance in young people with heritable cancer risk remain limited. SMOC Junior is examining what abnormalities are identified through screening, how often cancers are detected and at what stage, as well as the acceptability, safety, psychosocial and health-system impacts of surveillance.
Separate research presented at the symposium explored parents’ experiences of having a child participate in SMOC Junior. While parents considered surveillance worthwhile, they described recurring uncertainty, emotional stress and the practical burden of coordinating care. Clear communication, structured guidance and support from trusted healthcare professionals helped reduce these pressures.
The findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary models of care — coordinated care involving different healthcare professionals — that streamline communication and incorporate proactive psychological support.
Since 2022, SMOC Junior has brought together researchers and clinicians from multiple institutions and participating families. Study activity has taken place across two children’s hospitals to date, with further sites preparing to commence. Together, they are building evidence to inform future surveillance for young people with heritable cancer risk.
Learn more about SMOC+ | | | | | | | |
Orange helping transform regional access to life-changing clinical trials
A recent story from Orange has highlighted the difference access to a clinical trial can make for people living with cancer.
Emily Capper, a 36-year-old teacher from Canberra who is living with brain cancer, was matched to a Fore Biotherapeutics clinical trial at Orange Hospital after comprehensive genomic profiling through Omico’s PrOSPeCT initiative.
After standard treatment stopped working, Emily began travelling to Orange for the trial under the guidance of Dr Rob Zielinski and the team at Orange Hospital and the Central West Cancer Care Centre.
“Being on this trial has given me so much more hope and I’m just really excited for the future, which I haven’t had for a long time,” Emily said. “When I was diagnosed, I was told I had 12 to 14 months. And I’m now going on four years.”
The story also highlights the important work being led by Dr Zielinski to improve access to clinical trials in regional Australia. Dr Zielinski said regional trial units such as Orange’s offer “unlimited amounts of potential” in cancer care, with patients now being referred to Orange from Sydney and Canberra.
| | Dr Zielinski also credited Omico with mapping Emily’s tumour to match her with the Orange trial.
“We wouldn’t have known about us having this trial open in Orange unless they had this Omico platform,” he said.
The Fore Biotherapeutics trial shows how collaboration with global industry partners can bring novel targeted therapy trials to Australia, creating new opportunities for eligible patients to access innovative therapies matched to the biological features of their cancer.
|
We thank Emily for sharing her story so openly, and acknowledge Dr Zielinski and the Orange team, Fore Biotherapeutics, and everyone involved in helping improve access to clinical trials for people living in regional Australia.
Watch the Channel 7 news story
📖 Read the article (subscriber access)
| | | | | | | |
What could Australia’s largest precision oncology dataset reveal?
Every patient journey tells a story. When thousands of these journeys are brought together — linking genomic, clinical, treatment and outcomes data — they can reveal valuable insights to advance cancer research, treatment development and patient care.
The Omico Real-World Data Explorer provides an interactive introduction to this unique dataset, allowing users to explore cancer types, biomarkers and treatment pathways across a curated sample of more than 23,000 prospectively consented patients.
| | | |
The Explorer is part of Omico’s new suite of real-world data offerings, built from Australia’s largest prospectively consented precision oncology dataset. These offerings can help life sciences organisations and research partners better understand patient populations, identify biomarkers, improve clinical trial design and generate real-world evidence about how treatments perform in real-world care.
Revenue generated through these collaborations will be reinvested in Omico’s not-for-profit mission, helping expand patient access to precision oncology and support the long-term impact of its programs.
📖 Read the launch announcement and discover Omico’s real-world data offerings
| | | | | |
Oncology Clinicians: Share Your Perspectives on Molecular Tumour Boards Needs
Molecular Tumour Boards (MTBs) play a growing role in interpreting genomic findings and translating them into tailored care recommendations for patients. However, clinician access to and experiences with MTBs vary widely.
The UNSW Precision Care Initiative invites oncologists and other cancer specialists to complete a short survey exploring experiences and needs relating to MTBs and precision oncology. Whether you use MTBs regularly or not at all, your perspective matters.
| | | | | | | |
What’s On: Upcoming Events & Learning Opportunities | |
Advancing Genomics in Cancer Care Symposium - 7 August 2026 |
Only one week to go: join leaders from across cancer care, policy, research and patient advocacy to explore how genomics can be better embedded in routine care, so more people affected by cancer can benefit.
If you're interested in improving access to genomics in cancer care — whether you work in healthcare, research, policy or patient advocacy — this symposium is for you.
Hosted by the VCCC Alliance and supported by Omico, this symposium is designed for those working to improve the integration, implementation and accessibility of genomics in cancer care.
Topics include: - Progress against the National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control
- Best-practice implementation
- Equitable access to genomic services
- Strengthening patient pathways
Convened by Dr Kortnye Smith, speakers include Professor Vivienne Milch (Cancer Australia), Tiffany Boughtwood (Australian Health Genomics Commissioner), Dr Damien Kee, Dr Samuel Harris, Louise Lyons and other national experts.
📅 Friday 7 August 2026 📍 In person: Lecture Theatre B, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne)
🖥️ Online
Registration is FREE! → Register here | |
CanForum26 - 9 September 2026 |
Omico is proud to be a legacy partner of Rare Cancers Australia and to contribute again this year to CanForum26, Australia’s largest cancer patient advocacy conference.
Professor David Thomas, Omico’s Founder and Chief Science and Strategy Officer, will join the panel for the final session, The next chapter. The panel will confront the parts of the rare cancer story that remain stubbornly unchanged and ask how Australia can think bigger, adopt innovation faster and drive bold, system-level reform to save more lives.
David’s combination of expertise, courage, vision and determination to drive change in cancer care makes this a particularly fitting discussion for him to help shape.
CanForum26 will bring together more than 300 patient and carer advocates, policymakers, patient organisations, clinicians, researchers and industry leaders. Through patient experiences, new data and insights from across the sector, the forum will examine the progress transforming rare cancer outcomes, the inequities that remain and the action needed to improve access and outcomes for all Australians.
🗓️ Wednesday 9 September, 2026
📍 Great Hall at Australian Parliament House in Canberra
Learn more and register for CanForum26
| | | | | | | |
Presentations worth revisiting | | | |
Big Ideas Oncology Seminar Series 2026 |
Catch up on two recent seminars exploring treatment selection and advances in precision oncology.
Making Use of Biomarkers to Make Sense of All the Treatment Options for Metastatic Hormone Sensitive Prostate Cancer with Prof Christopher Sweeney, whose research focuses on drug development across cancers, with a special emphasis on prostate and testicular cancer, explores the clinical progression of metastatic prostate cancer, current treatment options and how predictive biomarkers could help guide care. |
Advances in Precision Oncology for Cancers of Unmet Need with Prof Sean Grimmond, an internationally recognised leader in cancer genome discovery and genomic pathology, explores advances in understanding the genomic drivers and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of solid cancers, and the role of rapid genomic testing for challenging cancer cases. | |
Oncology Watch 2: Mainstreaming precision oncology - Tumour-agnostic therapies with Prof David Thomas |
In this Research Review Australia video presentation, Professor David Thomas examines how precision oncology and tumour-agnostic therapies have progressed over the past decade.
David also shares real-world data from Omico’s MoST and PrOSPeCT programs, showing survival outcomes among patients with advanced rare cancers and pancreatic cancer, who received tumour-agnostic therapies matched to the molecular features of their cancer.
|
The Oncology Podcast: What does it really take to make early-phase cancer clinical trials smarter? |
In this podcast, Dr Jia Jenny Liu, Translational Lead of Early Phase Drug Development at The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, and patient advocate and lung cancer nurse Beth Ivimey OAM, discuss what is needed to help the right patient reach the right clinical trial at the right time.
Their conversation explores genomic testing and biomarkers, patient navigation, collaboration, toxicity management and genuine partnership with patients and advocates. It also considers how smarter patient selection could support the development of emerging treatments, including antibody–drug conjugates.
|
Thank you to Rachael Babin and The Oncology Network for hosting and producing this important conversation.
| | | | | | | |
Omico nominated for NGO of the Year
Omico has been nominated for NGO of the Year in the Health Industry Hub Catalysts for Change Awards 2026, recognising our work to advance precision oncology and improve access for Australians affected by cancer.
| | Voting closes on 3 August. If you value the work we do together with our partners, we would be grateful for your support. It takes less than a minute, and your vote could help raise awareness of precision oncology and connect more Australians with opportunities to benefit.
Vote for Omico
| | | | | | | |
We hope you enjoy this update. Feel free to share it with colleagues and friends and invite them to [subscribe here]. | | | | | | | | | |
Omico (Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Centre)
You have received this email because you have previously provided your email address to Omico. You can Unsubscribe
a: Hilmer Building (E10), Union Road, UNSW, Kensington NSW 2052 t: 1800 954 350 e: contact@omico.org.au w: omico.org.au
View our Privacy Policy
| | | | | | | |
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
