Dr. Kristin Anderson receives research grant from Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

Anderson will use funds to expand research in boosting anti-tumor immune responses

January 14, 2019 • By Jill Christensen / Fred Hutch News Service

Dr. Kristin Anderson, a postdoctoral research fellow in Dr. Philip Greenberg’s lab at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, has received the Ann and Sol Schreiber Mentored Investigator Award of $75,000 for one year from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. The funding will support Anderson’s research in developing strategies to improve the ability of the immune system’s T cells to kill ovarian cancer.

Anderson is among 23 scientists from 14 medical centers across the nation to receive a total of $5.25 million in new OCRA funding. Anderson’s research focuses on developing molecular engineering strategies that improve the function, persistence and migration of genetically engineered anti-tumor cells. For this project, Anderson and her team are working to boost anti-tumor immune responses by genetically engineering large numbers of T cells that could better target cancer-associated proteins.

Certain tumor-associated metabolic features can play a role in preventing T cells from killing tumors. “This project aims to better understand the metabolic mechanisms by which ovarian tumors evade T cell killing, and to develop strategies to invigorate anti-tumor T cells in the nutrient-poor tumor environment,” Anderson said.

This year, including ongoing grants and programs, ORCA is investing nearly $9 million in oviarian cancer research. “Scientists need our support at every stage of their careers in a severely underfunded field,” said Audra Moran, president and CEO of OCRA. “OCRA invests in the future by supporting those most likely to make an impact.”

Read more about Fred Hutch achievements and accolades.

Jill Christensen, is a former media relations specialist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and is a graduate of the University of Washington with a B.A. in journalism and psychology. Her experience has led her to pursue a career at the Hutch, combining her passion for health and science with her communication skills.

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