New partnership shifts precision oncology closer to routine clinical practice

Icon Cancer Centre and Omico have unveiled a strategic collaboration set to redefine access to precision oncology and clinical trials for cancer patients across the country.

At its core, this initiative seeks to embed precision oncology into routine clinical practice, offering patients battling complex cancers access to free comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and life-changing, personalised treatments which would otherwise remain out of reach.

The partnership will also vastly increase the availability of clinical trials within Icon’s network, particularly benefiting patients in regional and non-metropolitan areas who have traditionally faced barriers to accessing cutting-edge therapies.

Medical Oncologist and Icon’s Director of Medical Oncology (ANZ), A/Prof Louise Nott, said “Every cancer diagnosis is different, and genomic testing is transforming the way we treat cancer and deliver truly personalised care.

“By identifying the unique drivers of a patient’s cancer, we can match them with targeted therapies and clinical trials that can offer improved outcomes. Partnering with Omico is a crucial step in evolving clinician access to genomic-guided treatment and ultimately ensuring patients have better access to innovative treatments.”

Omico’s PrOSPeCT (Precision Oncology Screening Program Enabling Clinical Trials), Australia’s largest precision oncology initiative, forms the backbone of the collaboration. Through this program, 23,000 patients with advanced or difficult-to-treat cancers will receive free CGP, linking them to clinical trials that offer the promise of the latest, most effective therapies available.

The Cancer Screening Program within PrOSPeCT (CaSP) will play a pivotal role by managing patient referrals, coordinating CGP testing, and providing clinicians with detailed genomic reports, which include trial matches and treatment recommendations. This comprehensive approach empowers clinicians to offer highly personalised treatment plans, driving better outcomes for patients.

Omico’s Chief of Science and Strategy, Professor David Thomas, stated “Every person affected by cancer deserves access to the latest advances in care and treatment, no matter where they are treated. Icon’s innovation and expertise in delivering cancer services makes them an ideal partner in our mission to ensure contemporary cancer care is within reach for every patient.”

Echoing this commitment, Omico CEO Ian Black reinforced the collaborative vision of the two organisations.

“Omico and Icon are united by a shared commitment: ensuring that access to precision oncology and clinical trials is not limited by geography,” said Black. “Together, we’re focused on building capacity beyond metropolitan centres so that people in regional and rural communities have the same opportunities for cutting-edge cancer care as those in our cities – equity of access must be the standard for every Australian affected by cancer.”

For Icon Cancer Centre CEO Paul Fenton, this partnership is another step towards closing critical care gaps.

“This marks Omico’s first partnership with a national private cancer care provider, creating a new model for integrating precision oncology trials within community-based cancer care and supporting our mission to deliver the best care possible as close to homes as possible,” said Fenton.

Ultimately, this initiative aims to build a scalable, sustainable model for integrating precision medicine into everyday cancer care, helping to shape the future of oncology in Australia.

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