SEATTLE — Feb. 1, 2024 — Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center research findings and other news.
February is Cancer Prevention Month; if you’re looking for resources see our prevention tip sheet and contact kwynn@fredhutch.org.
Prevention
When to do what to reduce your risk of cancer
Experts take a decade-by-decade look at the basics of screenings and other preventive actions to promote long-term health. Experts include Heather Greenlee, ND, PhD, MPH and Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD with lifestyle recommendations on diet and exercise, as well as guidelines for when to screen for specific cancers.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@fredhutch.org
Fred Hutch launches free AI-powered chatbot app to help people quit smoking
Jonathan Bricker, PhD and team launched an AI-powered chatbot app called QuitBot to help more people successfully quit smoking cigarettes. Available for free on Apple and Android devices, QuitBot uses an AI-powered chatbot to provide users personalized support.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Cancer research
Immune cells vs. metastasis: ‘It’s a numbers game’
Stan Riddell, MD and Cyrus Ghajar, PhD have discovered three approaches to harness the immune system to eradicate dormant disseminated tumor cells, which are rare but linked to relapse. The researchers are evaluating these approaches in early-stage breast cancer patients through the TRANCE study, and Ghajar envisions this new understanding of metastasis will allow clinicians to identify patients at the highest risk of recurrence.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Patient care and healthy living
Behnke family commits $15M to support Fred Hutch campaign
Longtime supporters Carl and Renée Behnke have donated $15 million towards a campaign accelerating precision oncology research at Fred Hutch. In recognition, the South Lake Union House — which provides affordable short-term lodging to patients traveling to Fred Hutch for care — is being renamed the Behnke Family House.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@fredhutch.org
For 22 years, Drew Bouton has lived with metastatic prostate cancer
Doctors estimated Drew Bouton’s stage 4 diagnosis meant two years of survival. Following years of participation in clinical trials, which included an immunotherapy treatment that has since become the standard for prostate cancer, Bouton has lived with his cancer for an additional 20 years.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Health equity
Cancer Health Equity Podcast: Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
A recent episode of Fred Hutch’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement’s podcast features guests from Fred Hutch, the Washington State Department of Health , and the Yakima Health District Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program (BCCHP). In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, the episode discusses the role of HPV, overcoming barriers to screening, and the importance of resources like the BCCHP.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@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
Rethinking immunotherapy dosing frequency for better cost, time, and life savings!
Microbial cell-free DNA may help predict transplantation outcomes
Winning the battle against smoking: A digital-medication approach
Using mathematical models to tell time of initial HIV infection in infants
# # #
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.