News — SEATTLE — June 5, 2024 — Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
Check out a Fred Hutch post on showing a day in the life of Joselyn Landazuri Vinueza (), a PhD student studying cancer-causing viruses in the .
Cancer prevention and screening
New guidelines now recommend that breast cancer screenings start at age 40 and continue every other year until age 74, as data shows a 2% increase in breast cancer diagnoses per year among women in their 40s. These recommendations, issued by the , align with Fred Hutch recommendations and other groups that issue screening guidelines. According to , the director of breast imaging at Fred Hutch, consensus across guidelines aims to create less confusion and encourage screening.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, [email protected]
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 100,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year in the U.S. As we near summer, Fred Hutch dermatologist , and epidemiologist , answer questions and provide insight about all things skin cancer including risk factors, melanomas, sun protection and updates on the latest research.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, [email protected]
A study published in as part of the found that active surveillance for patients with a low risk of prostate cancer progression is an effective strategy to manage their disease. The study examined men with prostate cancer 10 years after diagnosis and found that less than 2% of men developed metastatic disease when using active surveillance — which includes regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, biopsies and digital-rectal exams. Prostate cancer researcher and urology professor , hopes the study will encourage national acceptance of the strategy.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, [email protected]
Cancer care
, medical director for the Supportive and Palliative Care Service at Fred Hutch Cancer Center, was recognized as an by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Palliative care is specialized medical care intended to improve quality of life and address symptoms and, according to Loggers, is a necessity for physicians to both relate to patients and understand their needs and priorities. Loggers hopes to grow Fred Hutch’s and create a fellowship combining oncology and palliative care.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, [email protected]
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, social psychologist and researcher , shared insights on how to cope, communicate and find support after a recent cancer diagnosis. Shen also shared advice on decision making and navigating oncologist appointments during the early stages of treatment.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Cancer research
, received a to develop an experimental compound into an anti-cancer drug. Hsieh and his team, who are currently studying bladder and prostate cancers, used an AI tool to screen for compounds that could block a biological process involved in prostate cancer growth. They then used lab tests and found one of the 27 compounds identified by the AI screen could stop prostate tumors from growing. Hsieh’s award will help translate the discovery into clinical testing.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, [email protected]
A new study in y, led by Fred Hutch hematologist-oncologist , showed an 83% response rate in people with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The DA-EPOCH study includes an antibody-drug conjugate called inotuzumab ozogamicin that attempts to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells. Outcomes for people with relapsed B-ALL are historically poor, and similar studies may reduce health disparities by identifying effective and accessible treatments.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Kugel Lab postdoc Stephanie Dobersch, PhD, received a $146,000 to study basal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a particularly aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. Basal PDAs are more aggressive and rarer, causing a disparity in research attention and treatments. According to Dobersch, patients with basal PDA need targeted therapies, and her findings may change the treatment landscape for pancreatic cancer patients.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Gene therapy
, holder of the Fleischauer Family Endowed Chair in Gene Therapy Translation, is aiming to foster worldwide collaboration on gene therapies to make them easier to access. In a Q&A, she discusses a series of articles she helped curate in Science Translational Medicine and her work with the Global Gene Therapy Initiative which she co-founded in 2020.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
Research published in from bioengineer , and his team show that a foaming liquid worked better than the standard formulation when transferring gene therapy components to cells. The foam could help deliver gene therapies inexpensively and easily, and Stephan hopes to attract collaborators to further develop this approach. Read a of how the researchers developed the foam.
Media contact: Molly McElroy,[email protected]
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
, holder of the Helen G. Edson Endowed Chair for Breast Cancer Research, and , conducted a national survey of NCI cancer centers to assess their progress toward increasing diversity. The results, , reported a substantial underrepresentation of American Indian/Alaska Native, Black and Hispanic people.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, [email protected] Recognition at Fred Hutch
Medical oncologist , has been named the Miklos Kohary and Natalia Zimonyi Kohary Endowed Chair in recognition of his 25 years of work in advancing research. MDS is a chronic bone marrow problem leading to low levels of healthy blood cells in the bloodstream. Funding from the endowed chair will aid Scott’s research on improved treatments for MDS patients.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, [email protected]
More than 6,500 health care facilities and nursing schools in 41 counties recognize the which stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System.” Launched at Fred Hutch, the award was created in 1999 to thank nurses who cared for J. Patrick Barnes, who died from an autoimmune disease. A recent reunion with award founders, Mark and Bonnie Barnes, celebrated nurses.
Media contact: [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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