Brisbane Cancer patients will soon have access to the latest in personalised cancer diagnoses with the launch of a validation study of genomiQa's whole genome analysis platform, CapeDX, in partnership with Icon Group.
genomiQa is a spin-off company from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and is focused on bringing precision whole genome analytics into routine clinical practice.
genomiQa's CapeDX platform supports the personalisation of a patient's cancer treatment by analysing the whole genome of the patient (hereditary) and their cancer tumour.
The pilot study will be conducted in collaboration with Icon Cancer Centre Wesley - part of the global Icon Group - and will involve genomic testing of up to 15 patients.
Based on genomiQa's analysis of the patients' genomes, each patient may be matched to the most suitable treatment option for their cancer, including approved drugs and those available through clinical trials.
genomiQa's CEO, Colin Albert, said the validation study was a major step towards rolling out the company's precision analytics platform more widely.
"Through this pilot study, we will validate genomiQa's offerings and service delivery," Mr Albert said.
"Our partnership with Icon Group is essential to the success of the project, and the fact that Icon has a rich history of supporting world leading research is a key benefit."
Icon Group's Director of Research, Dr John Bashford, said the company's principle was that every patient deserved the opportunity to have the best and latest treatment that was appropriate for them.
"We are delighted to offer patients the opportunity to access this Australian-first study and ensure treatment is personalised to their unique genomic information," Dr Bashford said.
"No other technique currently simultaneously examines the hereditary drivers of cancers as well as more than 1500 known cancer genes in a tumour."
The CEO of Rare Cancer Australia, Richard Vines, has welcomed the pilot study.
"The challenge we face is that more than 145 000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Australia every year, and we have been treating the symptoms not the root cause," Mr Vines said.
"But with the advent now of technology like genomiQa's, it may give patients more reason to hope."
This project is supported by the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources through the Entrepreneurs' Programme, which has contributed nearly $500 000 of matched funding.
The rest of the funding was provided by QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, which supports the commercialisation of discoveries by the Institute's scientists.
This Commonwealth Government grant will also support the accreditation of genomiQa's whole genome analysis product for rare diseases, Gulf DX.
