New Genetic Risk Factors Identified for Colorectal Cancer, New TB Vaccine Challenge Trial, and 2022 News Highlights
Newswise — SEATTLE — January 6, 2023 — Below are summaries of recent research findings from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and other news.
Interested in news you may have missed in 2022 from Fred Hutch? Take a look at our year in review for featured news.
cancer research
Large study led by Fred Hutch finds new genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer, paving the way for better detection and prevention A comprehensive analysis of more than 100,000 cases of colorectal cancer, led by researchers at Fred Hutch, including Dr Ulrike Peters, with 200 scientific collaborators around the world, has identified more than 100 new genetic risk factors strongly linked to the disease. These findings published in Genetics of Nature could help doctors better determine who is most at risk for colorectal cancer so they can receive early detection.
What’s new in breast cancer research? SABCS 2022 offers a lot Fred Hutch scientists presented new findings at the 45th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Findings included data on new imaging markers, analyzes of treatment-related side effects such as neuropathy, and identification of gaps in metastatic cancer care. The meeting also highlighted efforts by patient advocates to address health disparities and research gaps, such as in the case of lobular breast cancer.
Monitoring the dynamics of prostate cancer New work published in eLife offers scientists a detailed look at individual cells as prostate cancer develops and becomes resistant to treatment in mouse models of the disease. The project, led by Dr Andrew Hsiehaims to better understand the molecular underpinnings of cancer progression and resistance to androgen deprivation therapy.
infectious disease
Could a 100-year-old TB vaccine help scientists find a better one? Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a vaccine made from live bacteria to prevent tuberculosis (TB) and the most widely used vaccine on the planet. Directed by dr jim kublinFred Hutch researchers have started a new 10-person challenge trial that will study how the immune system responds to BCG and isoniazid, a drug used to treat TB.
Awards and other news
Eight Fred Hutch teams win Evergreen Fund awards Eight research teams at Fred Hutch will receive internal grants this year from the Evergreen Fund, a unique program to advance scientific projects deemed promising enough in their early stages to attract potential commercial partners later. Research includes ongoing work on the development of laboratory-designed antibodies, a monoclonal antibody drug to block necrosis, and many others.
Dr. Michael Linenberger, Leader in Apheresis and Cell Therapy, Retires Dr Michael Linenbergerprofessor in the Division of Clinical Investigation and holder of the Robert and Phyllis Henigson Endowed Chair, retired after working at the Fred Hutch Clinic, formerly the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, since it opened in 2001. Linenberger has played a significant role in the development of evidence-based guidelines and best practices for the safe, efficient, and effective use of apheresis in the clinic.
A Giant in BMT Survival Retires Dr. Maria Flores, long-time medical director of the Fred Hutch Long-Term Follow-up Program, a comprehensive survivorship program for blood and marrow transplant recipients, is retiring from Fred Hutch. When Flowers began working with the LTFU program, the clinic saw five patients a week. That number has more than six-fold since then, now tracking 6,500 post-transplant patients, including a 47-year-old survivor.
science spotlight sciencespotlight is a monthly installment of articles by Fred Hutch Postdoctoral Fellows summarizing new research papers by Hutch scientists.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center unites comprehensive care and advanced research to provide the latest cancer treatment options and accelerate discoveries that prevent, treat and defeat 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 discovery in cancer, infectious diseases, and basic research, including breakthroughs in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy, and COVID-19 vaccines. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites providing medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services and has network affiliations with hospitals in four states. Fred Hutch also serves as the cancer program for UW Medicine.
Please note that our organization was renamed the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in April 2022, following the merger of longtime partners, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.