For patients
& families

Helping clinicians access rare cancer expertise.

A rare cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty, difficult decisions, and questions about what happens next.

ARC Portal helps clinicians access specialist rare cancer expertise when additional insight may help guide diagnosis, treatment planning, or access to care.

While ARC Portal works directly with healthcare professionals, its purpose is simple: helping patients benefit from broader expertise when it is needed most.

What is ARC Portal?

ARC Portal is a free national service that connects clinicians to rare cancer specialists across Australia and internationally.

When a clinician refers a case through ARC Portal, they can access additional expert advice and specialist insight to help inform care decisions.

ARC Portal works alongside your existing healthcare team and does not replace your doctor or specialist.

How ARC Portal may support your care

Rare cancers are often difficult to diagnose and treat because expertise and evidence may be limited.

ARC Portal helps clinicians access:

  • specialist rare cancer advice
  • genomic and molecular expertise
  • collaborative review
  • treatment planning support
  • access to clinical trials and emerging options

This additional expertise can help ensure important decisions are informed by the best available knowledge and experience.

What happens if my doctor uses ARC Portal?

Your healthcare team remains responsible for all treatment decisions.

Step 1
Your clinician refers your case
Step 2
The case is reviewed by relevant specialists and experts
Step 3
Advice is returned to your clinician to help guide the next steps in your care

Talk to your doctor about ARC Portal

If you think ARC Portal may be relevant to your situation, speak with your treating clinician.

You may wish to ask:

  • Could additional specialist review help my case?
  • Are there treatment options I may not be aware of?
  • Could genomic testing provide additional insight?
  • Would ARC Portal be useful in my situation?

Download resources

Patient information sheet


A plain-language overview of ARC Portal and how it may support your care.

Information for clinicians


A guide you can share with your healthcare team if they are unfamiliar with ARC Portal.

More information for patients & families

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