Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) welcomes the Government’s $61.2 million funding commitment announced today for Omico’s [the Australian Genomic Cancera disease where abnormal cells split without control and spread to other nearby body tissue and/or organs Medical Centre’s] Project, PrOSPeCT – the Precision Oncologythe study, diagnosis and treatment of cancer Screeningtesting for cancer or conditions that can lead to cancer before symptoms appear, also known as cancer screening Platform enabling Clinical Trialsresearch studies performed to test new treatments, tests or procedures and evaluate their effectiveness on various diseases.
Richard Vines, CEO of RCA and Deputy Board Chair of Omico, said the project presents a unique opportunity to save or extend the lives of thousands of Australians living with cancer.
“This funding is a watershed moment for all patients with cancer across the country, but particularly for Australians suffering from rare cancers. The funding announced today will mean that advancedat a late stage, far along genomic testing could be provided to around 6,000 patients with rare and advanced cancers per year. Clinical and patient data will then be used to drive the research and development of precision therapies, with patients identified and ‘triaged’ to participate in clinical trials in support of these emerging therapies. Ultimately, this will lead to an expansion of the number and size of clinical trials run in Australia, and therefore the number of Australians with rare cancer who can access customised treatments.”
Richard said the expansion of clinical trial options in Australia will have profound impacts for Australians with rare cancer.
“RCA has partnered with Omico since inception to support the development of clinical trial options for all Australians living with cancer. Through our collaboration we’ve seen the huge impact in survival that targeted therapies can offer through clinical trials.
“For rare cancer patients specifically, there are very few standard treatment options in Australia. For many patients, especially children with cancer, participating in a clinical trial is the only way they can access treatment options that could save their lives, or at least buy them a little more time. In many cases these options are only available overseas, at a tremendous financial cost and causing significant upheaval for families.
“The frustration has been that new targeted therapies are developing at a rapid rate right here in Australia, with remarkable results in saving or extending the lives of patients. The issue has been progressing clinical trial research; identifying enough patients with a matching mutation has always been a barrier.
“This project will see the genomic testing of late-stage cancer patients on a much wider scale, which means patients can be suitably matched with clinical trials and enrol immediately. This means earlier access to targeted and potentially lifesaving treatments that are developed and accessible right here in Australia, instead of overseas.
“Today’s announcement represents not just hope, but a tangible lifeline for the thousands of Australians living with rare cancer.”
This sentiment is echoed by Prof David Thomas, CEO of Omico.
“Genomically-guided, personalised treatments are a gamechanger for patients with rare and less common cancers. Omico and Rare Cancers Australia are working together tirelessly to address the unmet need for our patients and their families.”
The funding was announced as part of a $185 million project to establish Australia as a hub for cancer drug development, helping to future proof our health care system and make it globally competitive. The project is expected to create over 200 highly skilled jobs, which will grow by at least 20 each year.