Colon Cancer Research and Clinical Trials at Fred Hutch

Fred Hutch Cancer Center researchers are seeking better ways to prevent and detect colon polyps and colon cancer, and better ways to treat colorectal cancer. We are also working to better understand the factors that affect each person’s risk for this cancer. Our scientists are also developing new methods to gauge how well a tumor will respond to treatment.

Physician-researchers at Fred Hutch are running many clinical trials of new drugs and drug combinations to treat different types of colorectal cancer. These experimental therapies are part of a trend toward precision cancer care. The idea behind precision care is to target a patient’s tumor based on its molecular profile. We continue to hunt for more potential targets on colon cancer cells that could lead to even more treatment options.

Much of our research focuses on finding more precise ways to prevent colon cancer. Colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps, so screening and prevention for this disease are tightly linked. Fred Hutch is home to several large-scale studies to identify the key lifestyle factors that may affect colon cancer risk. Our researchers also study factors that might boost colorectal cancer survival in certain patients, such as exercise or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, like aspirin.

Colon Cancer Clinical Trials 

Fred Hutch typically has over 750 active cancer clinical trials enrolling participants. 

Clinical trials may allow some patients access to a promising new treatment, and help physicians and researchers learn more about a disease. 

Search Colon Cancer Clinical Trials

Colon Cancer News

All news
Lack of insurance, follow-ups undercut cancer screening wins
Lack of insurance, follow-ups undercut cancer screening wins Large multi-institution PROSPR II study finds big gaps in access, timely care in cervical, colorectal and lung cancers across U.S. November 4, 2025
Lived experience matters: patient engagement improves cancer care, research
Lived experience matters: patient engagement improves cancer care, research Nearly 15 years in, Fred Hutch Patient and Family Engagement Program continues to inform care, expands to match advocates with researchers October 14, 2025
Are we ready for multi-cancer detection tests?
Are we ready for multi-cancer detection tests? Blood-based cancer tests are coming, but questions about efficacy, reimbursement and diagnostic pathways are far from settled September 22, 2025

Our Colon Cancer Researchers and Faculty 

Our scientists and providers work together to prevent, diagnose and treat colorectal cancer as well as other cancers and diseases. The lab research and clinical research they do are essential parts of the scientific process that leads to new treatments and better care. Many of our colon cancer providers also do research in addition to seeing patients. Clinical trials can also be a way for patients to get early access to new leading-edge therapies. Our research teams are running many clinical studies for people with colorectal cancer. 

Christina Baik, MD, MPH

Christina Baik, MD, MPH

Christina Baik, MD, MPH

Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

1 more appointment

Phone: 206.606.6680
Email:
Fax: 206.606.1435
Mail Stop: K2-231
Delphine Chen, MD

Delphine Chen, MD

Delphine Chen, MD

Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Director, Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Fred Hutch

3 more appointments

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Stacey Cohen, MD

Stacey Cohen, MD

Stacey Cohen, MD

Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Phone: 206.606.6658
Email:
Fax: 206.606.1090
Mail Stop: J3-400
Andrew Coveler, MD

Andrew Coveler, MD

Andrew Coveler, MD

Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

2 more appointments

Phone: 206.606.7509
Email:
Fax: 206.606.2042
Mail Stop: G4830
Ziding Feng, PhD

Ziding Feng, PhD

Ziding Feng, PhD

Professor, Biostatistics Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

Member, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center (PAM IRC)

1 more appointment

Phone: 206.667.6038
Email:
Fax: 206.667.5964
Mail Stop: M3-C102
Jie Fu, PhD, DABR

Jie Fu, PhD, DABR

Jie Fu, PhD, DABR

Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology Division, Fred Hutch

1 more appointment

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William M. Grady, MD

William M. Grady, MD

William M. Grady, MD

Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch

Professor, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

6 more appointments

Phone: 206.667.1107
Email:
Fax: 206.667.2917
Mail Stop: G4-100
Lab Website
William P. Harris, MD

William P. Harris, MD

William P. Harris, MD

Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Phone: 206.606.6856
Email:
Fax: 206.606.1090
Mail Stop: D5-310
Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS

Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS

Rachel Issaka, MD, MAS

Associate Professor, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

Associate Professor, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

4 more appointments

Phone:
Email:
Fax: 206.667.5977
Mail Stop: M3-B232
Polly Newcomb, PhD, MPH

Polly Newcomb, PhD, MPH

Polly Newcomb, PhD, MPH

Professor Emeritus, Cancer Prevention Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

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Mail Stop: M4-B402
Ulrike (Riki) Peters, PhD, MPH

Ulrike (Riki) Peters, PhD, MPH

Ulrike (Riki) Peters, PhD, MPH

Professor and Associate Director, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

Professor, Cancer Prevention Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

3 more appointments

Phone: 206.667.2450
Email:
Fax: 206.667.7850
Mail Stop: M4-B402
Lab Website
Amanda Phipps, PhD, MPH

Amanda Phipps, PhD, MPH

Amanda Phipps, PhD, MPH

Associate Professor, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

Phone: 206.667.7741
Email:
Fax: 206.667.7850
Mail Stop: M4-C308
Carolyn Rutter, PhD

Carolyn Rutter, PhD

Carolyn Rutter, PhD

Professor, Biostatistics Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

Member, Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), Fred Hutch

1 more appointment

Phone: 206.667.5036
Email:
Fax: 206.667.5977
Mail Stop: M3-B232
Rachael A. Safyan, MD

Rachael A. Safyan, MD

Rachael A. Safyan, MD

Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Director, Clinical Research GI Oncology Program, University of Washington/Fred Hutch

2 more appointments

Phone: 206.606.2038
Email:
Fax: 206.606.1090
Mail Stop: LG-465
Parth Shah, PharmD, PhD

Parth Shah, PharmD, PhD

Parth Shah, PharmD, PhD

Associate Professor, Cancer Prevention Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch

Member, Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), Fred Hutch

4 more appointments

Phone: 206.667.6120
Email:
Fax: 206.667.5597
Mail Stop: M3-B232