Through our new understanding of the genomic basis of cancer, we can for the first time, match patients with therapies on the basis of their, and their cancer’s genetic profile – instead of treating cancer according to where in the body it occurs. Indeed many cancers traditionally thought to be tissue-specific are actually caused by the same mutations,” he said.

Professor Simes said “The clinical trials program is using an adaptive design assessing several possible trial treatments at the same time with each trial treatment matched to the patient’s cancer genetic profile. This should allow effective treatments to be identified more quickly and efficiently than with a traditional clinical trial’s program.”

Professor John Mattick AO FAA, Executive Director of the Garvan Institute said the program was a prime example of leading-edge research and genomic technologies having a direct impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.