Patients receiving evidence-based matched therapies lived longer than those receiving unmatched treatment.

Sydney, Australia – 5 March 2026 – A new peer-reviewed study published in JAMA Oncology shows that patients with advanced cancers lived significantly longer when their treatment was matched to genomic biomarkers using strong clinical trial evidence — highlighting how precision oncology can deliver real benefit for patients.

The study reports outcomes from more than 3,300 Australians with advanced cancers enrolled in Omico’s Molecular Screening and Therapeutics (MoST) precision oncology program, many with rare or hard-to-treat disease.

Median overall survival was substantially improved, to 21.2 months compared with 12.8 months, reinforcing the importance of using genomic information alongside robust clinical evidence to guide treatment decisions.

The findings highlight a critical distinction within precision oncology: while genomic profiling can identify potential treatment pathways, clinical benefit depends on matching patients to therapies supported by strong evidence. Therapies selected based on preclinical data or extrapolated from other cancer types did not demonstrate the same survival advantage.

Alongside the research article, JAMA Oncology invited leading precision oncology researcher Dr Vivek Subbiah to provide an expert commentary on the study and its implications for the field.

In his commentary, Dr Subbiah describes the MoST program as a “landmark demonstration” of how precision oncology can be delivered at national scale — highlighting the infrastructure, collaboration and evidence frameworks required to translate genomic insights into improved patient outcomes. He notes that while genomic profiling offers genuine promise, improving outcomes depends on rigorous clinical validation and continued generation of evidence through clinical trials. 

MoST is a national precision oncology program designed to identify genomic biomarkers in people with advanced cancers and connect them to relevant clinical trials and treatment options. The study cohort included a high proportion of patients with rare and less common cancers, reflecting an area of significant unmet need.

Together, the study and commentary reinforce the importance of coordinated national programs that integrate genomic profiling, clinical trials and real-world data, helping ensure that precision oncology delivers meaningful benefit for patients while contributing globally significant evidence.

This work reflects the contribution of patients, clinicians, researchers and partners across the national MoST network. Omico extends its congratulations to Dr Frank Lin (first author), Prof David Thomas (senior author), and the many investigators and collaborators who contributed to this study.

We are deeply grateful to the patients and families who participated in the MoST program, whose contribution makes research like this possible.

 

Read the publication: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2845808 

Read the editorial commentary: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2845810?resultClick=1 

Read coverage in The Australian: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/health/medical/patients-lives-lost-as-cancer-drugs-out-of-reach/news-story/d55181422a124add112e74d8e27d63b8