News — SEATTLE — Aug. 7, 2024 — Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
Cancer research
A new review article in led by , describes evidence that men can carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that increase their risk of several cancers. According to Cheng, there is a need for awareness and screening, as the population of men undergoing genetic testing is 10% that of women, despite men accounting for 50% of carriers for these genes. To meet this need, national guidelines for screening have been updated from the and .
Media contact: [email protected]
, director of the Human Biology Division and Endowed Chair in Cancer Biology, and his team are classifying tumors based on their biology rather than their appearance. Published in , Holland’s team identified subtypes that share similar genetics. This approach could improve diagnoses for meningioma, the most common type of brain tumor, and help with treatment for other solid-tumor diseases including lung and breast cancers.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Fred Hutch postdoctoral fellow Liberalis (Debraj) Boila, PhD, received awards from the and the to study intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a rare but aggressive form of bile duct cancer. About 16% of cancers affecting veterans are rare cancers. The DoD Rare Cancers Research Program aims to address this burden and Boila’s award will fund studies of an ICC subtype with no current targeted treatment.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, [email protected]
Cancer care
, a blood cancer expert and , answers questions about his vision for the future of immunotherapy as the new medical director for the . Shadman gives insight into current immunotherapy treatments, patients and experience, and clinical trials at the immunotherapy clinic.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
This episode of Fred Hutch’s ’s podcast features lung cancer expert , discussing their pilot study, insights on disparities in sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection, and LGBTQ+ biases among patients receiving care. Triplette is the medical director of the and Living Tobacco Free Services Program and associate professor with the Cancer Prevention Program.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, [email protected]
Genetic research
A study published in revealed more insights on a rare genetic disorder linked to NGLY1 deficiency, which causes delays in motor function and life-threatening liver impairment. , showed links between NGLY1 function in the worm C. elegans and the part of a cell called proteasomes, which act like garbage disposals to get rid of waste. Too few proteasomes in cells can result in neurodegenerative diseases. Lehrbach is now studying genetic mechanisms involved in maintaining sufficient proteasomes.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Awards and recognition
, was named an fellow, honoring her lifetime contributions to our understanding of cell wound repair and mentorship of young researchers. Parkhurst, the Mark Groudine Endowed Chair for Outstanding Achievements in Science, has worked at Fred Hutch for over 30 years and helped to establish University of Washington’s and Fred Hutch’s .
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Postdoctoral researcher Phoebe Hsieh, PhD, in Fred Hutch’s , hopes to have her own lab next summer thanks to funding from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s . Earlier this year, Hsieh was the lead author of a identifying magnesium as a key part of antibiotic resistance.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Science spotlight
is a monthly installment of articles written by postdoctoral fellows that summarizes new research papers from Fred Hutch scientists. If you’re interested in learning more or covering these topics, contact [email protected]
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Fred Hutch Cancer Center unites individualized care and advanced research to provide the latest cancer treatment options while accelerating discoveries that prevent, treat and cure cancer and infectious diseases worldwide.
Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is an independent, nonprofit organization and the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington. We have earned a global reputation for our track record of discoveries in cancer, infectious disease and basic research, including important advances in bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy, HIV/AIDS prevention and COVID-19 vaccines. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services. Fred Hutch also serves as UW Medicine’s cancer program.
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