Rare cancers
Research & research centres
For a rare cancer, the most important specialist may be a researcher, not a local clinic. Find who studies your exact variant and ask your oncologist to contact them before treatment starts.
Professor Kylie Gorringe
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne
Genomics and live patient tumour models (organoids) for mucinous ovarian cancer — including the HER2-positive subgroup. The lab Jacinda's biopsy was referred to. Peter Mac's Peritoneal Malignancy Service also offers cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) for suitable patients.
Visit the Gorringe Lab research page →Professor David Morris
St George Hospital & UNSW, Sydney
Leads St George Hospital's Surgical Oncology and Peritonectomy Unit — cytoreductive surgery with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC). Inventor of BromAc (bromelain + N-acetylcysteine), now in clinical trials to dissolve mucinous tumours that spread through the abdomen.
View Prof. Morris's research profile →Omico — PrOSPeCT precision oncology program
Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Centre, national
Comprehensive genomic profiling for Australians with rare, less common or advanced cancers, matching patients to targeted treatments and clinical trials. Ask your oncologist whether you are eligible.
Omico — information for patients & families →Australian Cancer Trials
Cancer Australia (Australian Government)
Search government-registered cancer clinical trials across Australia, including rare cancers. Use the Question Prompt Lists to know what to ask your doctor about joining a trial.
Search Australian Cancer Trials →Australian Rare Cancer (ARC) Portal
Run from Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the ARC Portal lets your oncologist submit your case so national rare-cancer experts can review your diagnosis, molecular testing and trial options. It is not mandatory, so you may need to ask for it.
Ask: "Have you submitted my case to the ARC Portal, and have you contacted the lab researching my variant?"
Go to the ARC Portal →For patients & families | ARC Portal →Contact ARC Portal | Support, Referrals and Partnerships →