Omico founder wins state’s top cancer research prize

One of Australia’s leading clinician scientists and founder of national genomic cancer medicine centre, Omico, Professor David Thomas, has received NSW’s highest accolade for cancer research at the NSW Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research.

Nominated by his peers, Professor Thomas has earned global acclaim for his pioneering work and leadership in genomic cancer medicine. His efforts have significantly advanced the way cancer is understood and treated, particularly for those facing rare and aggressive cancers.

“Receiving this award is a great honour and also recognises the importance of precision oncology as an indispensable tool in our fight against cancer,” Professor Thomas, Chief Science and Strategy Officer at Omico, stated.

“Genomics and precision oncology is no longer a distant vision; it’s a mature, evidence-based approach here and now, that is evolving the way we can assess and treat cancers. Our challenge is to ensure every Australian patient, wherever they are, can benefit from this tailored approach.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien, said cancer is a global health challenge and research and innovation is critical to improving cancer outcomes.

“While significant progress has been made in our understanding of cancer, it remains the leading cause of death in NSW with sadly one in two people set to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.

“Research and innovation is key to unlocking the answers we are all searching for and I’d like to congratulate and thank the incredibly passionate, talented and collaborative research teams in NSW who are working tirelessly to save lives and keep families and communities safe and supported,” Professor O’Brien said.

Professor Thomas further added, “New South Wales provides an outstanding environment for this endeavour, with its world-class research infrastructure, commitment to innovation, and vibrant clinical community. I congratulate the State Government for recognising that commitment to the life science sector not only saves lives; it also creates jobs, forms healthcare networks, and supports economic growth.”

Professor Thomas’ career as a clinician-scientist spans some of the world’s top research centres. His early and ongoing dedication to sarcoma led him to establish Australia’s leading adolescent and young adult cancer unit at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in 2005 and to found the Australasian Sarcoma Study Group in 2008. Driven by his desire for better treatment options for sarcoma patients, he turned his focus to genomic technologies, establishing the Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Centre, Omico, in 2018.

This award arrives at a critical juncture, underscoring the urgent need to integrate precision oncology as standard practice. Precision oncology offers unparalleled insights, not just into the origins of cancer, but also into personalised risk assessments, precise diagnoses, and targeted treatment strategies that could revolutionize patient outcomes.

“We are on the cusp of a new era in cancer care,” Professor Thomas continued. “It’s imperative to integrate this approach as mainstream care for all Australians.”

Omico’s PrOSPeCT (Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials) initiative – Australia’s largest of its kind – exemplifies the power of precision medicine. Through this platform, over 23,000 Australians with advanced cancers have received free genomic profiling, with the possibility of being matched to targeted treatments.

Data from Omico’s MoST (Molecular Screening and Therapeutics) program highlights the transformative impact of this approach. Among the first 3,383 patients enrolled, those receiving treatments matched to their genetic profiles saw median survival times twice as long as those on standard therapies.

Omico’s growing dataset further underscores the importance of genomics in cancer care. Analysis of referrals from over 20,000 patients with challenging cancers revealed that more than two-thirds carried actionable genetic biomarkers – opening up new, potentially life-extending treatment options that would otherwise remain unrecognised.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.