Research we fund.

Since 2010, Snowdome Foundation has committed $52 million to world-class blood cancer research, funding 65 research projects and enabling more than 89 funded research positions.  Our focus is on translational research, in which scientific findings are used to move new diagnostic tools and therapies into patient care. We have a keen interest in research that is driving precision therapy - genomic testing, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and fund both laboratory research and clinical trials.
Clinical Trials
SF0062 Treatment for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (RAVEN) RAVEN (Relapsed Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with VEnetoclax and Navitoclax) is large cutting-edge Phase II clinical trial study spanning ten hospitals across Australia and New Zealand for children with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoma (rALL), for whom there are limited effective treatment options. Funding: $322,000 Funds leveraged: Yes - Leukemia Foundation, Monash University and Australia and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group. Institute: Monash University Project start date: 2022 Project end date: 2026
Immunotherapy
SF0060 Improving CAR-T Cell Therapy outcomes for aggressive lymphoma and multiple myeloma This project aims to translate a promising new treatment for lymphoma and multiple myeloma through combining CAR-T Cell therapy with a class of anti-cancer drugs called SMAC-mimetics. Funding: $213,210 Funds leveraged: Yes - Leukaemia Foundation and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (USA) Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and University of Melbourne Project start date: 2022 Project end date: 2025
Genomics
SF0059 Continued funding for the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics This project will support the Wilson Centre for Lymphoma Genomics at PMCC’s Department of Pathology to advance the provision of genomics to improve the diagnosis and outcomes for Australian blood cancer patients. Funding: $3,500,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: 2021 Project end date: 2025
Immunotherapy
SF0058 New options for treatment resistant myeloma Research into a new diagnostic marker for treatment resistant myeloma and whether treatment targeting this marker will improve response in treatment resistant patients. - Dr Kate Van Dyke Funding: $50,000 Funds leveraged: Yes with Cure Cancer Institute: University of Adelaide SAHMRI Project start date: 2021 Project end date:
Genomics
SF0057 Snowdome Haematology Fellowship Identifying high risk follicular lymphoma patients to improve treatment outcomes - Dr Josh Tobin Funding: $300,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: University of Queensland Project start date: 2021 Project end date: 2024
Immunotherapy
SF0056 Gunn Family Women in Haematology Fellowship Discovering a novel mechanism to overcome treatment resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia - Dr Katherine Cummins Funding: $150,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Maddie Riewoldt's Vision Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: 2021 Project end date: 2024
Genomics
SF0051 HSANZ/Snowdome Foundation Mid Career Award Understanding genetic mutations and drivers in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia- Dr Charles De Bock Funding: $5000 Funds leveraged: Institute: University of NSW Project start date: Oct 2021 Project end date:
Genomics
SF0049 New treatment pathways for multiple myeloma LLS-SF-LF TRP Project Dr Lev Kats explores new pathways to treat multiple myeloma Funding: $270,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Leukemia &Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia Foundation Institute: University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: 2021 Project end date: 2024
Immunotherapy
SF0042 & SF0047 Epworth Centre for Immunotherapies & Snowdome Laboratories The development of a cellular therapy unit within the MOCI at the Epworth to provide CAR T-cell therapy Funding: $4,666,666 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Epworth Project start date: Jan 2020 Project end date:
Epigenetics
SF0041 Uncovering vulnerabilities in leukaemia cells for new drug targets LLS-SF-LF TRP to study changes that occur across the alpha-ketoglutarate pathway in leukaemia cells. By understanding this pathway, they can then identify vulnerabilities in the process that could be targeted by existing pharmacological therapies or design new therapies. Funding: $227,106 Funds leveraged: Yes Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia Foundation Institute: Adelaide University, SAHMRI Project start date: 2020 Project end date: 2023
Epigenetics
SF0040 Improving drug uptake in MDS LLS-SF-LF TRP grant to uncover better uptake of azacitidine in MDS patients. Prof John Pimanda Funding: $227,106 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: University of NSW Project start date: 2020 Project end date: 2023
Genomics
SF0043 New treatments for multiple myeloma LLS-SF-LF TRP Finding a new class of treatment to eradicate myeloma cells Funding: $218,839 Funds leveraged: Yes Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia Foundation Institute: WEHI Project start date: 2019 Project end date: 2022
Epigenetics
SF0053 George and Yolanda Klempfner – Snowdome Foundation Fellowship at the Dawson Lab Identifying the molecular signatures underpinning CAR T-cell persistence in cancer at single cell resolution. To decipher the gene expression signatures, present in rare CAR T-cell clones that predict their persistence within a tumour Funding: $100,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: Oct 2020 Project end date: September 2022
Genomics
SF0048 Assessment of oligo-secretory plasma cell dyscrasias by ctDNA monitoring Research to determine if ctDNA can replace invasive biopsies in oligo-secretory plasma cell dyscrasias to detect disease progress. This project is funded by the My Mount Eliza Festival. Funding: $120,000 Funds leveraged: yes Institute: Epworth Healthcare Project start date: Feb 2021 Project end date: Jan 2023
Immunotherapy
SF0038 Erdi Foundation-Snowdome Foundation Research Fellow Developing Processes for CAR-T cell trial in cutaneous T cell lymphoma Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a rare blood cancer that does not respond well to chemotherapy. The use of CAR T-cell therapy for this cancer is of interest however identifying a protein that is unique to T-cell lymphoma but not present on a patient’s own normal T-cells to target is essential. Funding is provided to explore protein CTH01 and to then develop, produce and manufacture this novel CAR-T product at scale, to then undertake a clinical trial of this cellular product in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Funding: $400,000 Funds leveraged: Erdi Foundation, Percy Baxter Charitable Trust and Broomhead Family Trust Institute: Hudson Institute, Monash HealthCare & Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2019 Project end date: Open
Immunotherapy
SF0043 Therapeutic targeting of IRF4 to treat multiple myeloma Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Snowdome Foundation-Leukaemia Foundation Translational Research Program. To develop a new immunotherapy treatment that will be effective in all myeloma types. Funding: $218,839 Funds leveraged: Co-funded with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia Foundation Institute: Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Project start date: July 2019 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0034 Grant and research writer The Christine and Bruce Wilson Centre for Lymphoma Genomics Funding for Research Scientist to: Identify specific blood cancer types that will benefit from whole genome and/or Transcriptome analysis Review somatic sequence data and refine/develop assays if required Curate haematological genomic data and generate standardised reports for clinicians Participate at VCCC Molecular tumour Board depending on the complexity of the case. Funding: $500,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: The University of Melbourne/University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research Project start date: February 2020 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0044 Beyond Azacitidine: Investigating new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of MDS Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Snowdome Foundation-Leukaemia Foundation Translational Research Program. To use epigenetic knowledge to lay the groundwork for the development of more effective therapies in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Funding: $218,839 Funds leveraged: Co-funded with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia Foundation Institute: University of New South Wales Project start date: July 2019 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0031 Improving therapy for CRLF2-rearranged Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Snowdome Foundation-Leukaemia Foundation Translational Research Program. To develop a new therapeutic approach, protein degradation, against a difficult but important target in high risk leukaemia. Funding: $218,839 Funds leveraged: Co-funded with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia Foundation Institute: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tennessee USA Project start date: July 2019 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0026 Clonal haematopoiesis – Klempfner Fellow To identify critical genetic factors (known as clonal haematopoiesis) that will contribute to greater predictability of a bone marrow transplant being successful. Funding: $350,000 Funds leveraged: Co-funded with Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2018 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0023 Christine and Bruce Wilson Centre for Lymphoma Genomics A team of clinicians, pathologists and scientists dedicated to utilising genomics to improve outcomes in patients with lymphoma, leukaemia and related malignancies. To develop a centre of research excellence using genomics to improve diagnoses, fast-track personalised treatments and determine prognosis for patients with lymphoma, leukaemia and related malignancies. Funding: $5,500,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Victoria Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: July 2017 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0028, SF0025A Cell Free DNA It has been demonstrated that within the bloodstream there is genetic material that has ‘leaked’ out from a person’s malignancy. This genetic material is recognised as cell free DNA and is referred to as circulating tumour DNA or ctDNA. The detection and analysis of ctDNA can establish a diagnosis earlier and allow for earlier detection of relapse. ctDNA can provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of the genetic landscape of the tumour without having to take multiple invasive biopsies. The research is in its infancy and needs to be validated to ensure accuracy. Funding: $974,521 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Epworth HealthCare Project start date: March 2017 Project end date: Open
Biomarkers
SF0036 Myeloma Fellowship at Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre Three year fellowship to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in NYC to collaborate in an international trial to bring novel therapies for the treatment of myeloma to Australia. To integrate minimal residual disease (MRD) assays into trial protocols. Funding: $35,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: University of Melbourne & Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2020 Project end date:
Biomarkers
SF0033 Gailey Lazarus Foundation – Snowdome Foundation Fellowship To improve the diagnose and treatment of patients with myelofibrosis and related diseases through molecular testing. Facilitate access to new treatments through clinical trials. Funding: $450,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Epworth HealthCare Project start date: February 2019 Project end date: Open
Biomarkers
SF0035 Western Australia Blood Cancer Research To create a Perth based internationally recognised Centre of Excellence to deliver new treatment options and world-class clinical services to WA patients and work to reduce disease burden caused by blood cancers Funding: $454,029 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Western Australia Blood Cancer Research Project start date: July 2018 Project end date: Open
Biomarkers
SF0029 Gunn Family National Career Development Fellowship for Women in Haematology Novel blood biomarkers for predicting bone marrow failure in myeloproliferative neoplasms Funding: $195,000 Funds leveraged: Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision and the Gunn Family Institute: University of Western Australia Project start date: February 2019 Project end date: Open
Epigenetics
SF0030 Targeting deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in B-cell lymphomas Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Snowdome Foundation-Leukaemia Foundation Translational Research Program Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) are aggressive tumours characterized by profound epigenetic alterations. In this proposal, we seek to investigate novel epigenetic therapies to treat this type of lymphomas. Funding: $218,839 Funds leveraged: Co-funded with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia Foundation Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: July 2019 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0037 & 52 Grant and Research Writer The Christine and Bruce Wilson Centre for Lymphoma Genomics Funding: $286,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Christine and Bruce Wilson Centre for Lymphoma Genomics at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: July 2019 Project end date: Open
Genomics
SF0019 Vision Super- Snowdome Foundation Fellow Develop a new molecular profiling of tumour samples from patients undergoing routine care for their cancers in Victoria. Analysis allows physicians to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie an individual’s cancer. To develop new molecular profiling of tumour samples for blood cancer patients in Victoria. Funding: $300,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: May 2016 Project end date: May 2019
Genomics
SF0024 Medical Scientist for Molecular Haematology To validate genomic work conducted in the research lab into a standard that allows for its use in the diagnostic laboratory. This will provide further in depth information regarding patients’ myeloma to enhance patient care. Funding: $110,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2017 Project end date: January 2018
Genomics
SF0010 SF0011 SF0012 Centre of Research Excellence-Myeloma To develop a comprehensive clinical and tumour database for every myeloma patient attending VCCC affiliated hospitals to create a centre of research excellence using genomics. The knowledge will be used to better understand myeloma, effective treatments and potential treatment targets. The ultimate aim is to fast-track treatments for patients with myeloma and related malignancies. Funding: $2,660,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: October 2014 Project end date: September 2019
Genomics
SF0017 Victorian Epigenetic Group cell free DNA biomarker study in myelodysplastic syndromes To research if cell free tumour specific DNA (ctDNA) can be used as novel strategy to monitor disease burden in the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Funding: $101,500 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2015 Project end date: December 2015
Clinical Trials
SF0045 SF0046 SF0039 Dr Bob Cannon OAM & Dr Jean Cannon Snowdome Foundation Travel Grants Nurse and Trainee travel grants to enable further education at international and national meetings Funding: $10,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Project start date: October 2018 Project end date: Open
Clinical Trials
SF0032 Australian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group Follicular Lymphoma Trial Phase 3 Evaluation of PET-guided Response-Adapted Therapy in Patients with Previously Untreated, High Tumour Burden Follicular Lymphoma: PETReA Funding: $150,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Concord Hospital Project start date: October 2017 Project end date: Open
Biomarkers
SF0018 Gandel Philanthropy-Snowdome Lymphoma Fellowship The identification of biomarkers to predict response to new BH3 mimetic treatments such as venetoclax in various types of lymphoma. To ultimately recruit these patients to BH3 mimetic trials. Funding: $264,330 Funds leveraged: Institute: Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Project start date: October 2015 Project end date: October 2019
Clinical Trials
SF0015 MicroLEN in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome To explore whether the use of low dose lenalidomide reduces the rate of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia relapse after allogeneic transplantation whilst avoiding the risk of Graft Vs Host Disease. Funding: $137,265 Funds leveraged: Institute: Royal Melbourne Hospital Project start date: January 2015 Project end date: December 2017
Biomarkers
SF009 Eva & Les Erdi – Snowdome Foundation Fellowship New targets for haematological malignancies. To investigate a new drug class and develop a ‘world-first’ clinical trial to monitor its effect on the immune system and help predict blood cancer patients that will benefit most. Funding: $375,236 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: August 2014 Project end date: August 2018
Biomarkers
SF007 Victorian Epigenetic Group Alfred Research Scientist To validate identified biomarkers to establish clinical trials in multiple myeloma (MM). To support research on circulating tumour DNA. To determine if histone acetylation can be utilised as an early biomarker of clinical response in MM. To validate the genetic signature associated with response to HDAC inhibitor. Funding: $43,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Alfred Health Project start date: January 2014 Project end date: June 2014
Epigenetics
SF0022 Victorian Epigenetics Group -Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Trial co-ordinator Funding of a trial co-ordinator to reduce the period taken for clinical trial start-up and to improve the rate of patient accrual to epigenetic studies. To fast-track blood cancer trials and accrue patients to these innovative clinical trials. Funding: $210,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: August 2016 Project end date: Open
Epigenetics
SF0021 T-Cell Lymphoma sequencing The primary goal of this project is to perform DNA and RNA sequencing on patients with T-cell lymphoma undergoing standard of care therapy and therapies with the epigenetic agent romidepsin to understand the genomic landscape. Funding: $150,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: August 2016 Project end date: Open
Epigenetics
SF0013 & SF0013ex Victorian Epigenetic Group Peter MacCallum Epigenetic Fellow To develop, conduct, complete and report on Victorian Epigenetic Group clinical studies and facilitate patients accrual to novel epigenetic clinical trials for blood cancer patients. Funding: $345,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: January 2015 Project end date: Open
Epigenetics
SF0016 & SF0020 Klempfner Fellow for the Dawson Laboratory To coordinate a ‘world-first’ clinical trial in BET inhibitors providing significant insight into the molecular pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Funding: $350,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2015 Project end date: January 2018
Epigenetics
SF008 Alfred Research Scientist To identify early biomarkers and genetic signatures to predict responses to different epigenetic treatments. Funding: $86,000 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Alfred Health Project start date: July 2014 Project end date: June 2016
Epigenetics
SF0014 Victorian Epigenetic Group Molecular Profiling of Myelodysplastic Syndromes To develop a clinically applicable molecular predictive index of response to azacitidine in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) through a three-tiered approach to personalised molecular profiling. Funding: $109,460 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: January 2015 Project end date: December 2015
Epigenetics
SF007 Victorian Epigenetics Group Alfred Scientist To identify biomarkers of epigenetic modifying agents responsiveness in multiple myeloma. To support research on circulating tumour DNA. To determine if histone acetylation can be utilised as an early biomarker of clinical response. To validate the genetic signature associated with response to histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitor Funding: $43,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Alfred Health Project start date: January 2014 Project end date: June 2014
Epigenetics
SF004 Peter MacCallum Epigenetics Fellow To support the Victorian Epigenetic Group in recruiting blood cancer patients and the further development of epigenetic trial protocols through the employment of a clinical research fellow Funding: $220,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2013 Project end date: July 2014
Epigenetics
SF006 Victorian Epigenetic Group (VEG) Project Manager To support the Victorian Epigenetic Group to develop epigenetic trials in blood cancer through the support of a program manager and a clinical trial manager Funding: $215,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: June 2013 Project end date: June 2014
Epigenetics
SF005 Victorian Epigenetic Group (VEG) Clinical Trial Research Nurse To fast-track epigenetic blood cancer trials and accrue patients to these innovative clinical trials through the funding of a clinical trial research nurse Funding: $184,068 Funds leveraged: Yes Institute: Royal Melbourne Hospital Project start date: April 2013 Project end date: June 2017
Epigenetics
SF001 Victorian Epigenetic Group (VEG) Project Manager Collaborative support for Victorian Epigenetics Group Funding: $71,666 Funds leveraged: Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: January 2012 Project end date: December 2012
Epigenetics
SF002 Peter Mac Epigenetics Fellow To develop early phase epigenetic trials and accrue patients to early phase epigenetic trials supporting patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, mature T-cell lymphoma & multiple myeloma Funding: $146,491 Funds leveraged: yes Institute: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Project start date: February 2012 Project end date: January 2013
Epigenetics
SF003 The Alfred Leukaemia Clinical Research Fellow To conduct 3 novel early phase epigenetic trials in patients with relapsed refractory acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplasia Funding: $103,500 Funds leveraged: yes Institute: Alfred Health Project start date: April 2012 Project end date: April 2013