The Oncology Podcast

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The July 2026 PBS update brings a number of important changes for oncology clinicians, with several new and expanded cancer medicine listings set to improve access to cancer treatments across breast, lung, blood and biliary tract cancers.
In this episode, Rachael Babin and Professor Craig Underhill discuss the clinical significance of the latest Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme changes, including who is now eligible for treatment, what these listings mean for multidisciplinary care and why comprehensive biomarker testing continues to grow in importance.
In this episode:
PBS listing for pertuzumab (Perjeta®) in high-risk HER2-positive early breast cancer 
Listing of alectinib (Alecensa®) for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer 
Osimertinib (Tagrisso®) listing for EGFR-mutated unresectable Stage III NSCLC following chemoradiation 
First PBS listing of romidepsin (Romidepsin-Reach®) for relapsed peripheral T-cell lymphoma 
First PBS listing of futibatinib (Lytgobi®) for FGFR2-altered advanced cholangiocarcinoma 
What the new broad (multi-cancer) PBS listing principles for PD-(L)1 inhibitors could mean for future cancer drug funding
Follow The PBS Update for regular discussions on PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals.
Visit the Show Notes for links to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes.
Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

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Welcome to Episode 30 of The Oncology Podcast's Experts On Point series, brought to you by The Oncology Network. Hosted by Rachael Babin.
What does it really take to make cancer care smarter? In this episode of Experts on Point, host Rachael Babin is joined by Associate Professor Jenny Liu and patient advocate Beth Ivimey to explore how precision oncology is reshaping not only cancer treatment but the way clinical trials are designed and delivered. 
It's a conversation that we hope you will find inspiring - its about combining innovation with compassion—and  its a reminder that some of the biggest advances in oncology may come not only from scientific breakthroughs, but from building systems that put patients at the centre of every decision. 
Drawing on both clinical expertise and lived experience, they discuss genomic testing, trial navigation, toxicity management, patient partnership and the challenges of ensuring the right patient reaches the right trial at the right time. 
Together, they reflect on why the future of cancer research depends as much on smarter systems and meaningful collaboration as it does on scientific innovation.
We hope you enjoy listening.

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Join our Hosts Professor Craig Underhill and Rachael Babin to discuss the June 2026 PBS update including a new listing for fixed-duration acalabrutinib plus venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. 
They also explore the growing challenges facing Australia's PBS, with special guest Professor John Zalcberg AO sharing his insights into delays in access to innovative cancer medicines, global pricing pressures, the impact of changing US drug policy and what reforms may be needed to ensure Australian patients continue to benefit from timely access to life-changing treatments.
Follow PBS Update for regular discussions on PBS listings and oncology policy changes affecting Australian healthcare professionals.
Visit the Show Notes for links to the PBS updates discussed in this episode and to send us audio feedback or questions for future episodes.
Proudly produced by The Oncology Network

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S4E5 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast 

The Oncology Journal Club team returns with Part 2 of its ASCO 2026 coverage, delivering a whirlwind tour through some of the most interesting studies presented across gastrointestinal, breast, lung, genitourinary, gynaecological, skin and haematological cancers.
Craig Underhill, Kate Clarke and Christopher Jackson discuss emerging data on ctDNA-guided treatment strategies, exercise as adjuvant therapy, genomic testing in breast cancer, novel antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapy advances, de-escalation studies and potential new standards of care. They also explore the growing role of precision medicine, evolving treatment sequencing strategies and the challenges facing the global oncology workforce.
Along the way, expect the usual OJC banter, ASCO bingo, questionable drug pronunciations and a recurring tribute to Qantas pyjamas!
The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network
Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information. And to download your bingo card if you'd like to play along with the team!

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S4E4 The Oncology Journal Club Podcast 
In this special ASCO 2026 edition of The Oncology Journal Club, Craig Underhill, Chris Jackson and Kate Clarke unpack some of the meeting’s most talked-about studies and discuss what they could mean for clinical practice.
From the PROTEUS trial in high-risk prostate cancer and promising advances in RET fusion-positive lung cancer, to a rare sarcoma study demonstrating the potential of CDK4 inhibition, the team explores the data behind the headlines and highlights the challenges of translating trial results into real-world care.
The episode also dives into what many are calling the breakthrough study of the meeting – the RESOLUTE-302 trial of daraxonrasib in previously treated pancreatic cancer. With a striking overall survival benefit in a disease that has seen few meaningful advances, the results sparked excitement throughout the oncology community.
Along the way, the panel reflects on the atmosphere at ASCO, emerging trends in precision oncology, and how new therapeutic approaches such as KRAS inhibitors, bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates are reshaping the future of cancer treatment.
The Oncology Journal Club Podcast is hosted by Professor Craig Underhill, Dr Kate Clarke and Professor Chris Jackson, and proudly produced by The Oncology Network
Visit oncologynetwork.com.au for Show Notes, to send us Voice Notes and more information. And to download your bingo card if you'd like to play along with the team!