Australians with devastating cancers are living longer, thanks to genomics and advanced treatments, but many are being left behind
Omico
A landmark Australian report by Omico will be launched tomorrow (25th Nov) at Parliament House showing that Australians with devastating cancer can have their lives extended when their tumour DNA is matched to advanced treatment, a process called precision oncology, which is simultaneously creating jobs and fuelling our economy.
Omico is Australia’s not for profit leader in precision oncology. It’s Impact Report: From Momentum to Mainstream shows:
- Australians matched to targeted treatment for their cancer lived up to 50% longer, from 14 to 21+ months, with survival more than doubling for some
- Omico initiatives have attracted more than $200 million to Australia, from direct foreign investment
- To date, Omico has created 1540+ new jobs, including in regional and Indigenous communities
MEDIA CALL: Available for interview on Tuesday 25th November - 8:00am - 2:00pm:
- Prof David Thomas
- Founder and Chief Science & Strategy Officer at Omico, who can share more detail on the new data highlighting the transformative impact Omico is having for Australians living with advanced cancer and the Australian economy
- A/Prof Rob Zielinski
- Senior Medical Oncologist and Head of Cancer Services at Orange Hospital, who is helping to buck the trend of cancer patients in rural Australia having worse outcomes
Precision oncology
Precision oncology is a modern way of treating cancer that looks closely at the unique genetic changes in cancer cells driving their growth. Using advanced molecular profiling tests such as comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), whole genome sequencing (WGS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), these changes - known as biomarkers - are identified. Doctors can then match patients to precision treatments most likely to work for them, based on the specific biomarkers in their cancer. Omico provides access to CGP free of charge, made possible through collaboration with the government and our national partners.
About us:
About Omico
Omico is a not-for-profit, independent organisation providing Australians diagnosed with incurable cancers access to a proven, cutting-edge approach known as precision oncology. We translate the latest scientific innovations into meaningful advances in clinical care, health policy and system reform, ensuring world-leading science delivers real-world benefits for patients. We unite Australia’s leading cancer institutes, researchers, clinicians, industry partners and government to improve outcomes for people with incurable, advanced or poor-prognosis cancers. By fast-tracking molecular profiling, biomarker-led clinical trials and patient enrolment across the country, Omico is enabling access to next-generation treatments for Australians who need them most.
Contact details:
Media contacts:
Issued on behalf of Omico by Cube. Contact: Anne-Marie Sparrow, 0417 421 560 / [email protected] or Tash Silkin, 0494 408 965 / [email protected]