what we fund.
International evidence shows patients have better outcomes on a clinical trial but unfortunately, due to our small population, Australian patients are rarely included in blood cancer (leukaemia, myeloma & lymphoma) trials. It is therefore imperative that clinical trials are initiated here in Australia.
Snowdome is the only not for profit organisation that is exclusively focussed on raising funds to support translational research into blood cancers, accelerating access to next-generation treatments for Australian patients to help them live longer, better lives.
Over 85% of Snowdome’s available funds have been invested in cutting-edge research. Snowdome’s focus is to identify the right blood cancer patient for the right drugs.
Snowdome has a strategic granting process that identifies key pillars to fight blood cancer including:
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> epigenetics – the chemical reactions that switch on/off genes;
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> genomics/ precision (personalised) medicine – matching the cancer’s mutations to a drug treatment;
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> immune therapies – boosting the immune system to fight cancers;
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> monoclonal antibodies – golden bullets that bind onto and kill the cancer cell;
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> pro-apoptotic agents – to make an immortal cell commit suicide and
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> targeting the microenvironment – making the cancer cell’s environment hostile to its growth.
the wilson centre for lymphoma genomics
An incredibly generous donation from Christine and Bruce Wilson of $5.5 million to Snowdome in 2017 led to the development of the state-of-the-art centre for genomic testing at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Genomic testing involves analysing a patient’s blood sample to look for critical gene mutations that are known to play a role in their particular blood cancer. The results of the test provide a more accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment journey. 60% of tests provide a clinically relevant finding. That is a corrected diagnosis, an altered prognosis or a different course of treatment. For some the results are literally life saving.
blood cancer research western australia
With the generosity of Snowdome, Blood Cancer Research WA was established in April 2018 under the leadership of Associate Professor Chan Cheah. The centre aims to bring blood cancer trials to the west enabling Western Australian patients to access potentially life-saving treatments right at home. The number of patients accessing trials has increased dramatically and the wait time to access a trial has decreased since the inception of Blood Cancer Research WA.
australasian lymphoma alliance
Snowdome is proud to be a supporter of The Australasian Lymphoma Alliance (ALA), a working party of clinicians focused on retrospective clinical data analysis & tissue research, guideline development, facilitation of case-based discussions and information sharing within the lymphoma community. It offers the community a peak body of experts with a dedicated interest in lymphoma who work with organisations to promote, facilitate and engage in improving outcomes for lymphoma patients.
women in lymphoma
Snowdome is proud to be a supporter of Women in Lymphoma (WiL). Formed in mid-2019, WiL is an international network of female professional peers engaged in the treatment and research of lymphoma. This global alliance of lymphoma clinicians and researchers provides support and advocacy for greater leadership of women in lymphoma research. Believing that “where there’s a WiL there’s a way”, WiL is committed to advancing collaborative and meaningful contributions to lymphoma research, teaching and patient care globally from its membership base.
Research we fund.
Since 2010, Snowdome Foundation has extended 52 grants enabling more than 71 funded research positions. Over 85% of Snowdome’s available funds have been committed to cutting-edge research. Snowdome’s focus on multi-year funding has ensured research trials, biomarkers and projects have run to completion and are supporting Australian blood cancer patients.
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 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 Clinical 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
call for grants.
LLS – Snowdome Foundation – Leukaemia Foundation Translational Research Program
31st August 2021
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Snowdome Foundation and Leukaemia Foundation will jointly fund up to two meritorious TRP applications focused on blood cancer research from investigators working in Australia, Australian investigators working in other countries, or to Au…
Open Date: 30th August 2021
Close Date: 29th October 2021
funding criteria.
Research projects need to be aligned with Snowdome’s mission, vision and values. The project should be cutting-edge and aim to improve the outcomes of Australians living with blood cancers to help them lead healthy, longer lives.
Researchers are encouraged to register to find out about upcoming research grant opportunities.
The research project should:
deliver new therapies to blood cancer patients in the foreseeable future
involve Australian researchers in Australia or living overseas and involve new therapies that are part of the ‘new pillars’ for therapy
have quantifiable outcomes and reasonable milestones, set and agreed upon in advance
encourage research (clinical or laboratory) that identifies patients that are likely to benefit from new therapies (that exist now/foreseeable future)
The research project shouldn’t:
be research equipment
be basic research that does not eventuate into clinical treatments in the foreseeable future
predominantly involve supportive care, psycho-social support, housing, transport