SEATTLE — Jan. 4, 2024 — Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center research findings and other news.
Interested in research presented at the 2023 American Society of Hematology conference or San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium? Check out research recaps:
- What’s new in breast cancer research? SABCS 2023 takeaways
- Multiple myeloma research to be presented at American Society of Hematology annual meeting
Health equity
New video series delves into racism in cancer care
Fred Hutch partnered with the Cierra Sisters, a Seattle-based patient advocacy group, to produce a series of short videos to acknowledge and address the racism many women of color experience while dealing with breast cancer. Some women report that racism begins when they approach their general practitioner with a concern andpersists throughout diagnosis, cancer treatment and pain management. The Anti-Racism in Oncology video project began in 2021 and contains stories of real people having conversations about racism in health care.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Patient care
Knowing your risk for inherited cancers matters
Genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk is now more accessible and important than ever. Around 5-10% of cancers are hereditary, and advancements in germline testing can offer accurate, affordable ways to identify these risks. Germline testing not only helps individuals with early cancer management but also aids biological family members in understanding their own risk. While the process involves a simple clinic visit for a DNA sample, it differs significantly from commercial, direct-to-consumer tests as the comprehensive assessments and genetic counseling help patients make informed decisions for personalized screening, treatment and lifestyle changes.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Cancer research
Reducing how often patients receive immune checkpoint inhibitors can dramatically reduce medical costs while allowing patients to remain on lifesaving drugs over longer periods of time, according to a recent study from Fred Hutch. In the last few years, ICIs have transformed care for patients with aggressive skin cancers like melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, but more research is needed to understand how these findings might impact long-term treatment plans.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Science spotlight
Science Spotlight is a monthly installment of articles written by postdoctoral fellows that summarize new research papers from Fred Hutch scientists. If you’re interested in learning more or covering these topics, contact media@fredhutch.org
- A new tool helps researchers keep tabs on aspartate
- Peacefully: an online tool to give peace of mind and assist with end-of-life planning
- Stress, caused by RNA:DNA hybrids, holds the key to treating select leukemias
- Revolutionizing HIV prevention: The impact of self-testing kits in Kenyan pharmacies
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Fred Hutchinson 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.