Lung cancer research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center has led to new treatments with significantly higher survival rates than in years past.
Our work spans fundamental studies of the gene changes that drive lung cancer to large-scale population studies that seek to understand why it develops in some people but not others. We also study how noncancerous cells surrounding the tumor may influence its progression.
Lung 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.
Driven to Find Out Why
McGarry Houghton, MD, is a Fred Hutch pulmonologist who oversees lung cancer research at Fred Hutch. Lung cancer rarely develops in normal lungs, he points out. People with lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema are up to five times more likely to develop and die from lung cancer than people who don’t have these conditions.
“The big link in my mind is to figure out why people with chronic lung diseases are set up to get these infections and how that inflammation fuels lung cancer,” said Dr. Houghton. “This idea of studying the previous life of the lung before the lung cancer developed is something very few people do.”
Our Lung Cancer Researchers and Faculty
Our scientists and providers work together to prevent, diagnose and treat lung 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 lung cancer providers also do research in addition to seeing patients. Clinical trials can be a way for patients to get early access to new leading-edge therapies, too. Our research teams are running many clinical studies for people with lung cancer.
