Public-private partnership pioneers precision oncology for Australians battling incurable cancers

Pharma News: In a move that promises to revolutionise cancer treatment, the nation’s largest cancer genomics initiative, PrOSPeCT (Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials), officially launches today, opening a new era of hope for Australians battling incurable or advanced cancers.

PrOSPeCT, spearheaded by the not-for-profit cancer genomics pioneer Omico, aims to extend the lives of 23,000 Australians who are currently facing the fight of their lives against cancers such as ovarian, pancreatic, and sarcomas. This ambitious initiative will provide patients with free access to world-class genomic profiling, expert clinical assessments, and personalised precision treatments, including early-stage clinical trials, over the next two years.

The magnitude of this project lies in its powerful collaboration, harnessing the combined expertise and resources of cancer research centres, diagnostic, and treatment services across the country. It is a momentous step towards setting up new treatment pathways for the community.

The PrOSPeCT initiative is fuelled by a substantial financial backing of $185 million from public and private funds. The Federal Government, as part of the Modern Manufacturing Strategy, is contributing a grant of $61.2 million, while the NSW Government pledges $25 million. In addition, a significant commercial collaboration between Omico, the National Computational Infrastructure at Australian National University (ANU), Children’s Cancer Institute, and Roche Australia plays a vital role in empowering this ground-breaking project.

The official launch of PrOSPeCT is taking place at UNSW’s Michael Crouch Innovation Centre, honoured by the presence of prominent figures, including the Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Federal Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Assistant Federal Minister for Rural and Regional Health, alongside the Hon Ryan Park MP, NSW Minister for Health.

“Based on science, precision oncology harnesses genomics to apply highly specific and effective precision treatments to take on the most challenging cancers. It’s the front line of advanced treatments and through PrOSPeCT we can offer precision oncology nationally to all who may benefit,” said Professor David Thomas, CEO of Omico, Director at Centre of Molecular Oncology, UNSW Sydney and Head, Genomic Cancer Medicine, Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

He added “PrOSPeCT is set not only to transform access to advanced treatments, for those who desperately need them, it will also unify an extensive national cancer network while building our capabilities, infrastructure and skills in cancer research and care. It will place Australia firmly on the global stage, in this rapidly evolving area, setting benchmarks to bring genomics to large numbers of patients.”

The Hon Emma McBride MP said “PrOSPeCT is a great demonstration of our commitment to building an internationally recognised Australian medical products sector, while providing care to Australians who need it the most.”

The benefits of PrOSPeCT reach far beyond the delivery of innovative healthcare. It is projected to generate around 650 high-skilled local jobs and infuse $525 million into local clinical trials, while also saving the health system an estimated $135 million through improved access to innovative therapies via clinical trials. The nationwide network created by PrOSPeCT will also encourage interstate collaboration, attracting new international investment into Australia’s medical research sector.

“Every 10 minutes, one Australian is diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer, embarking on a challenging journey for them and their loved ones,” shared Christine Cockburn, General Manager of Rare Cancers Australia. “PrOSPeCT brings a nationally coordinated approach at scale to the community that will deliver free genomic profiling of an eligible person’s tumour, no matter where they live, and quickly identify potential matches to new treatments and trials.  From genomic screening, more than a third (38%) of patients will receive guidance on new targeted treatments relevant to them, giving the potential to significantly extend lives.”

Stuart Knight, General Manager of Roche Products Australia and one of PrOSPeCT’s founding diagnostic and pharmaceutical partners, emphasised the significance of collaboration in advancing cancer treatment.

“Healthcare is complex, and no-one can solve it alone. To foster improved outcomes for cancer patients, it is vital for all stakeholders to embrace collaboration. The coordinated approach of PrOSPeCT will set new benchmarks for a more connected, modernised system, and Roche is committed to doing our part,” he commented.

Over the course of the next decade, PrOSPeCT aims to build a remarkable biodata platform, capturing 70,000 profiles, which will provide valuable scientific evidence shaping future cancer treatments and research. This extensive database will be accessible to researchers both locally and internationally, making it a potential magnet for interest and clinical trial investment from pharmaceutical and biotech companies around the world.

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