Landmark collaboration sparks inauguration of precision care clinic

Pharma News: In a landmark collaboration, Australians with cancer will receive more personalised care through the newly established Precision Care Clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital. Teaming up with Omico, UNSW’s School of Population Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Cancer Voices NSW, Australian Catholic University, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University, this initiative marks a significant leap forward in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

At the heart of this initiative lies the integration of genomic insights into patient care plans. By leveraging genomic data, clinicians and patients alike will be empowered to consider all current and emerging treatment options and their potential implications, including targeted therapy, clinical trials and cancer risk management.

Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler, said the opening of the facility is a major step towards changing the way we approach cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

“This innovative cancer clinic will combine genomic research and implementation science to ensure the benefits of precision medicine are effectively translated into improved health outcomes for people with cancer across Australia,” Minister Butler remarked.

Echoing this sentiment, NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park, expressed pride in NSW Health’s pivotal role in advancing this cutting-edge form of healthcare.

“This initiative will ensure that patients receive the most targeted and tailored care to produce the most optimal health outcomes,” he said. “Clinicians and patients will be converging from across the country at this hub to access this precision care and incorporate it into their treatment plans.”

UNSW’s School of Population Health Scientia Associate Professor, Natalie Taylor, shed light on the underlying motivation driving this initiative, emphasising the urgent need to translate genomics-informed strategies into accessible healthcare solutions.

“The initiative is built on the latest clinical evidence and research, with careful consideration of the barriers that patients can face when receiving cancer care,” Professor Taylor explained. She further emphasised the role of a digital evidence-driven data platform in facilitating rapid, precision-oriented decision-making for clinicians.

The initiative is part of a five-year commitment from the Federal Government to establish multiple precision care clinics across Australia through a $5.8 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Rapid Applied Research Translation scheme.

NSW Minister for Medical Research, David Harris, underscored the significance of investing in programs like precision medicine, citing its potential to fundamentally transform cancer care nationwide.

“The Precision Care Clinic will see experts in precision medicine research approaching cancer diagnosis and treatment in a whole new way,” he stated. “Starting here in NSW at the Prince of Wales Hospital, this new approach has the potential to transform cancer healthcare in Australia.”

Professor Boon Chua, Director of Cancer and Haematology Services at Prince of Wales Hospital highlighted the pivotal role of the Precision Care Clinic in centralising precision oncology within healthcare services.

“Our patients will now be able to access their precision cancer information, advice and care all in the one place, without having to navigate their way through multiple clinics and specialists,” she said.

“The public clinic will provide formal processes that enable specialists in oncology and genetics to make evidence-informed decisions together with the aim of improving patient experiences and health outcomes.”

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