SEATTLE – Feb. 3, 2026 – Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. See our Wellness in 2026 media tip sheet for an updated list of experts and health topics. Contact media@fredhutch.org to schedule interviews.
The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR)’s Tandem Meetings will take place from Feb. 4-7 in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’re interested in speaking to an expert about transplantation and cellular therapy, please reach out to Molly McElroy at mwmcelro@fredhutch.org.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)’s Genitourinary Cancers Symposium will take place from Feb. 26-28 in San Francisco, Calif., and virtually. If you’re interested in speaking to an expert about genitourinary cancers, contact Heather Platisha at hplatisha@fredhutch.org.
Health and wellness
Getting the best bang for your cancer prevention buck
Fred Hutch experts including Scott Ramsey, MD, PhD, Trang VoPham, PhD, MPH, MS, Anne McTiernan, MD, PhD, and Matthew “Matty” Triplette, MPH, PhD, share budget-friendly ways to cut disease risk and stay healthy in the new year. Their recommendations include smoking cessation, regular exercise, healthy eating and cancer screenings.
Media contact: media@fredhutch.org
Cancer outcomes
Oncology Insights with Dr. Petros Grivas - Episode 6
In this episode of Meet the Greek, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, and Heather Parsons, MD, MPH, discuss innovations in breast cancer. Their conversation highlights the use of circulating tumor DNA to detect cancer and guide treatment, as well as new clinical trials, multidisciplinary care and genetic testing. Parsons emphasizes the importance of timely access to care and collaboration with community oncologists to improve patient outcomes. Parsons holds the Maudslien Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Oncology Research.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Cancer Health Equity Now podcast: Stories behind the numbers
This episode of the Fred Hutch Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (OCOE) podcast features Jean McDougall, PhD, MPH, an OCOE staff scientist, speaking with community health experts Snowy Johnson and Katie Treend to discuss the burden of cancer for rural and indigenous communities across Washington state. They share the ways that community and patient feedback inform participation in screening and prevention efforts for cancers.
Media contact: media@fredhutch.org
Oncology Insights with Dr. Petros Grivas - Episode 5
In this episode of Meet the Greek, Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, and David Zhen, MD, discuss gastroesophageal and neuroendocrine cancers. Their conversation explores genetic factors influencing cancer, new therapies and clinical trials and collaboration with community oncology, as well as the growing need for survivorship programs to support patients living longer after treatment.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@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.
- Guiding the attack: CXCR3 leads CAR T cells to pediatric brain tumors
- When on-target misses the mark: Lessons from HIV immunogens
- A moving target: How spike’s shape determines immune escape in SARS-CoV-2
- AMOTL2 multitasks to control cell growth and Zika virus infection
- From Data to Diagnosis: GREGoR aims to demystify rare diseases
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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.