SEATTLE – Jan. 5, 2026 – Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. If you’re working on stories related to this disease, please reach out to media@fredhutch.org to connect with experts.
Assessing cancer risk
Fred Hutch researchers launch free online tool to assess colorectal cancer risk
Researchers led by Ulrike “Riki” Peters, PhD, MPH, holder of the 40th Anniversary Endowed Chair, and Li Hsu, PhD, developed a free online tool called MyGeneRisk, allowing users to assess their colorectal cancer risk by inputting information including lifestyle habits and genetic data. The tool draws from the largest genetic dataset for colorectal cancer to date, involving over 100,000 patients, 150,000 control participants and researchers worldwide.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@fredhutch.org
Breast cancer
SABCS25: What’s new in breast cancer research?
Fred Hutch physician-scientists presented in numerous poster sessions, oral presentations and main stage talks at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, which was held in December and is the world’s largest breast cancer research meeting. Experts including Sara Hurvitz, MD, FACP, Heather Parsons, MD, MPH, and Jennifer Specht, MD, presented updates on a new class of cancer drugs, effective biomarkers for early-stage breast cancer and findings from the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group’s FEATURE trial. Hurvitz holds the Smith Family Endowed Chair in Women’s Health at Fred Hutch.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Oncology Insights with Dr. Petros Grivas - Episode 4
In this episode of the Meet the Greek podcast, Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, and Vidhya Nair, DO, discuss the latest advancements in breast cancer research and treatment. The episode highlights the significance of supportive care services, genetic testing and collaborative efforts between clinical and basic science to enhance care. The conversation centers engagement and data emerging from conferences like the European Society for Medical Oncology.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Cancer and infectious disease research
Fred Hutch researchers discover an unknown soldier in defense against viruses
A recent study in the journal PNAS from the lab of Julie Overbaugh, PhD, found that the gene AMOTL2 is crucial to defending cells against the Zika virus and could be targeted to boost antiviral defenses against Zika and other viruses. Previously, the AMOTL2 was known for its role in cancer progression. Because of the gene’s connection to cancer biology, targeting the gene could also have implications for cancer immunotherapy.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Treating rare cancer diagnoses
A rare skin cancer diagnosis requires a balancing act between suppressing and boosting the immune system
After Paris Malachias received a kidney transplant recipient, he experienced extreme sun sensitivity as a side effect and developed multiple basal cell carcinomas and later Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Experts Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, head of the Merkel Cell Carcinoma Program, Chris Blosser, MD and Evan Hall, MD, MPhil, determined Malachias’ treatment plan, emphasizing its complicated nature. Malachias was treated at the Cancer and Organ Transplant Clinic (COTC), which specializes in care for organ transplants and cancer patients.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Endometrial cancer
Endometrial cancer patient advocate reinforces the importance of normalizing conversations about symptoms
In a new episode of the From Bench to Bedside and Beyond podcast, Margie Wilson, program manager with Endometrial Cancer Action Network for African Americans (ECANA), shares her experience with endometrial cancer. A decade after her diagnosis, Wilson is a vocal patient advocate. She established ECANA alongside UW Medicine gynecologic oncologist Kemi Doll, MD, MSCR, to decrease the stigma among Black women surrounding many cancer and gynecologic diseases.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Awards and recognition
Two Fred Hutch students receive American Society for Hematology graduate awards
Fourth-year graduate students in the Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) PhD Program, Elana Thieme and Mark Mendoza, received graduate awards from the American Society for Hematology (ASH) in December. Their research studies the gene expression in immune system cells that can lead to disorders including myelodysplastic syndromes and pediatric leukemia. Each award provides an annual, two-year stipend of $40,000 for tuition, research and training-related expenses.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Breast Cancer Research Foundation to fund seven Cancer Consortium researchers
Seven scientists with the Fred Hutch Cancer Center/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium received another year of funding from the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) for research into new therapies, biomarkers and vaccines. Fred Hutch recipients include Nancy E. Davidson, MD, holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair for Collaborative Research, Nora Disis, MD, Catherine Duggan, Chris Li, MD, PhD, Hannah Linden, MD and Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@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.
- Is the fountain of youth hidden in a fly’s gut?
- What if a ride could save a life? New research says it just might
- Wildfire smoke is changing life after cancer
- The making of a genome-guarding machine
- Overcoming immune evasion: a new combination therapy advances treatment for a rare metastatic eye cancer
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Fred Hutch Cancer Center
Fred Hutch 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.