Dr Prasad Cooray is a senior consultant medical oncologist in Melbourne and the founding director of Yarra Oncology, a multidisciplinary cancer care practice renowned for its patient-first philosophy and translational precision oncology. With over two decades of experience in gastrointestinal malignancies, Dr Cooray is a strong advocate for advancing molecular profiling and the real-world application of targeted therapies in difficult-to-treat cancers, particularly metastatic pancreatic and biliary cancers. He is among Australia’s highest prescribers of PARP inhibitors in BRCA-mutant PDAC and has championed early, routine molecular testing to guide access to therapies such as Olaparib, immunotherapy, and clinical trials.

He is also a national leader in reshaping the treatment paradigm for young-onset colorectal cancer, shifting care from purely palliative approaches to radical-intent strategies wherever feasible. His work bridges genomic science and multidisciplinary care, integrating key molecular features, such as TMB, MMR/MSI status, and NGS-guided insights into practical, decision-driving frameworks. Dr Cooray contributes actively to Bowel Cancer Australia and COSA-led forums and collaborates with industry and consumer organisations to improve access and equity in biomarker-driven therapy. With a commitment to data-led advocacy and person-centred care, he continues to challenge therapeutic nihilism in PDAC and demonstrate that precision matters, even when cure is elusive.