Overview | Snowdome Foundation

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:

> epigenetics – the chemical reactions that switch on/off genes;
> genomics/ precision (personalised) medicine – matching the cancer’s mutations to a drug treatment;
> immune therapies – boosting the immune system to fight cancers;
> monoclonal antibodies – golden bullets that bind onto and kill the cancer cell;
> pro-apoptotic agents – to make an immortal cell commit suicide and
> 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.

Clinical Trials

HSANZ Mid Career Research Grant A mid career research grant to foster and support the talents of a mid career researcher Funding: $5,000 Funds leveraged: Institute: Project start date: September 2020 Project end date: September 2021

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

SF0031 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

SF0031 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

SF0030 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,SF0052 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: $5,656,000 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 Grant and research writer The Christine and Bruce Wilson Centre for Lymphoma Genomics Funding: $130,000 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

SF0044 SF0043 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.

Currently no grants are open.

If you wish to be advised of Snowdome’s call for grants, email your contact details and area of interest to [email protected]

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

what we fund.

the wilson centre for lymphoma genomics

blood cancer research western australia

australasian lymphoma alliance

women in lymphoma

urgentfundinggaps.

Research we fund.

call for grants.

funding criteria.