Our Research

Research overview

Bold science. Patient-driven. Focused on a cure.

We don’t just fund research – we help design it, shape it, and drive it forward. At the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF), we drive cutting-edge research by funding world-class scientists and fostering collaboration across the global scientific community. From identifying priorities to convening global clinical, scientific and patient experts and rigorously reviewing every proposal, we ensure that every project we support has the potential for real, lasting impact.

Our aims and goals

All our programs aim to accelerate a transformative change in scientific research that will lead to better treatments and cures for FL patients.

We seek to: 

 Develop precision treatments and cures direct to FL patients;

 Deliver treatments with lower toxicity;

 Close the gaps in FL research and drug development to drive quicker clinical testing;

 Maximize collaboration and funding in the field of FL for rapid development and prioritization.

Patient experiences and views

All People living with FL are at the heart of everything we do. We connect with a global community of 40,000+ and their experiences shape our decisions, guide our priorities, and influence the way we work. We don’t just listen. We build meaningful partnerships, create trusted resources, and support patients to take charge of their care with confidence.

By fostering collaboration, we strive to integrate the valuable insights and experiences of those living with FL into the development process of innovative treatments, ensuring a comprehensive and patient-centred approach. Furthermore, we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the FL community, ensuring that every patient’s voice is heard and valued.

If you are living with FL and would like to hear more about ways to get involved in our work and research opportunities as they happen, you can sign up via our Help Shape our Work Form. 

Our Funded Research Programs

Our research priorities are designed to maximize real-world impact. Through a rigorous peer-review process which includes global clinical and scientific experts as well as those living with FL, we ensure that all funded research projects meet the highest standards of scientific excellence. Our funded research programs focus on transformative breakthroughs, ensuring that every project we support aligns with our mission: to find a cure for follicular lymphoma (FL) and find it fast.

Follow the links to learn more on each program and the stellar investigators we support.

CURE FL Programs

The “CURE FL (Curative Research to Eliminate Follicular Lymphoma) Awards” and “Research United to CURE FL Awards” drive innovation in immunotherapy to revolutionize FL treatment.  By focusing on high-impact studies this program supports a clear path to clinical trials and the hope of clear benefit and impact on FL patients. By fostering collaboration among leading scientists around the world, we unlock new treatment possibilities and push the boundaries of what’s possible in FL research. 

FL Biomarker Discovery Program

This initiative advances cutting-edge technologies and techniques to identify and understand biomarkers related to FL. By tackling the biggest challenges in biomarker research, we aim to enhance patient stratification and enable more precise, personalized therapy options. Working alongside leading international experts, we are shaping a strategic roadmap to identify the most promising biomarkers and translate research into real-world clinical impact.

PETReA Plus Program

PETReA Plus is a transformative project poised to revolutionize FL management. It aims to develop better treatments that cure FL patients and avoid unnecessary toxic therapies. PETReA Plus is the only study in the world that is prospectively collecting outcomes of initial management from all people with newly diagnosed FL. Through this study, the research team will address gaps in our knowledge crucial for improving cure rates in FL and informing next-generation treatments. 

Publications

Led by our CMO Dr Mitchell Smith, on our publications page we share valuable insights and advancements in the field of follicular lymphoma. Explore the latest findings and scientific contributions that shape our understanding of FL, as well as novel technologies. We invite you to delve into our initial resources as we continue to build a comprehensive library of knowledge. 

Key partnerships

Collaborative working is central to our mission. The FLF continues to build global alliances with leading scientists, research institutions, funding organizations and other patient organizations to amplify our impact. By working together, we can transform the future of follicular lymphoma treatment and find a cure faster.

Centers of Excellence

Once established, the Centers of Excellence Program will aim first to accelerate a transformative change in FL research, and we are confident that breakthroughs and learnings will then directly feed into other disease areas. The FLF is already committed to forming collaborative partnerships with world-class organizations and research institutions – pushing the boundaries of research and delivering real impact for FL patients and beyond.

We expect this program will create partnerships with prestigious academic and research institutions around the world with significant skills in FL, as well as in many ancillary disciplines (e.g. -omics) that will build on strong multi-disciplinary approaches to help achieve our mission to find a cure for FL. We aim to galvanize momentum for FL research within the most talented teams of researchers, drive cooperation and synergism within an overarching network, and champion sharing of knowledge, resources, infrastructure and scientific breakthroughs.

Our goals will be to: 

➤ Create and maintain a dynamic collaborative network of CoE institutions

➤ Leverage strategic partnerships to multiply our impact by joining resources and expertise

 Drive innovative technology and treatment development

Precision Medicine Program

The Precision Medicine Program (PMP) is an innovative initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive follicular lymphoma-specific prospective patient registry. By collecting real-world patient, clinical, and molecular data from up to 2,000 individuals, we will drive innovation in FL research, unlock new treatment strategies, and accelerate drug development in partnership with the life sciences industry. This initiative integrates multi-omics data, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and tailored patient care.

Support more vital research:

We’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in learning more about the FLF and our initiatives. We welcome your feedback, support, and collaboration in any way you can.

If you want to find out more about the FLF and any of our research programs, please contact us at info@theflf.org.