The Australian Rare Cancer (ARC) Portal is an online service for doctors to access a network of expert support, guidelines and research for people diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer.
The ARC Portal team can help treating cancer specialists and their patients by facilitating:
- specialist advice on diagnosis or management through a network of Australian and International rare cancer experts
- identification of clinical guidelines or best available evidence
- advice on molecular testing – appropriate tests and interpretation of results
- patient access to rare cancer research and clinical trials.
“It was just really a lifeline to me. The relief I felt, being able to talk to someone who knew about my rare cancer, was amazing, and to have confidence that you were getting the right treatment.” – Amanda Davidson, living in Tasmania with a rare small-cell carcinoma of the ovary.
Why it was developed
It can be challenging for rare, less common and complex cancer patients and their doctors to find the information they need for treatment planning. Across Australia, access to rare cancer expert advice can be based on where you live, your care team’s experience and access to their peer networks.
The ARC Portal was developed by Omico to help make rare cancer experts and knowledge more accessible and easier to find, particularly for Australians who live outside the major cancer treatment centres in metropolitan areas.
How it works
- Australian patients with any type of rare, less common or complex cancer can be referred to the Portal by their cancer specialist at diagnosis, or at any time during treatment. The specialist could be a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist or cancer surgeon but not a GP.
- Your doctor will need your written consent to refer you to the ARC portal. After creating an account, your doctor can upload relevant clinical information and receive expert guidance.
- The referral is reviewed by ARC Portal Clinicians. Depending on the specific referral request, the ARC team will:
- facilitate clinical advice from its network of national and international cancer experts
- identify research opportunities or clinical trial options
- advise on and interpret molecular or genetic testing
- From the time of referral, an initial report will generally be issued back to the referring clinician within about two weeks. Reviews by external specialists may take longer.
Introducing this option
Your cancer doctors may not have yet heard of the ARC Portal, so you might need to ask them to explore this option. If you would like to discuss the ARC Portal with your cancer specialist, you can show them this ARC Portal Information Sheet.
We do whatever it takes to find you the answers you need. If you’d like more information about the ARC Portal and how it can help you or your patient, please contact us.
