SEATTLE – March 4, 2026 – Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch Cancer Center research findings, patient stories and other news.
March is the awareness month for colorectal cancer and multiple myeloma. If you’re interested in speaking to experts, contact media@fredhutch.org to schedule interviews.
Infectious disease research
Scientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein-Barr virus
Researchers including Andrew McGuire, PhD, and Crystal Chhan in the McGuire Lab reached a crucial milestone in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) research. The team identified a monoclonal antibody that prevented EBV infection and another that provided partial protection, as well as sites of vulnerability useful for future vaccine development. McGuire and Chhan are currently working to advance a potential therapy for immunocompromised patients.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Cancer research
Cancer Action Plan of Washington (CAPOW) packs a punch
The new Cancer Action Plan of Washington, or CAPOW, provides a five-year strategic plan to reduce cancer rates and cancer deaths statewide, with key strategies to boost health literacy, screening, prevention and equity efforts. The plan is formed by the CAPOW Statewide Coalition including health care facilities, native and tribal leaders, and academic research and cancer care institutions, and aligns with federal, state and coalition partners’ goals.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@fredhutch.org
New long-term analysis suggests follicular lymphoma can be cured
Research published in JAMA Oncology suggests that follicular lymphoma (FL), long deemed incurable, may be curable. Mazyar Shadman, MD, MPH, and collaborators found a cure rate of 42% when they examined 15 years-worth of follow-up data from FL patients who received a chemoimmunotherapy regimen. The findings could inform clinician conversations with patients and patient follow-up after treatment. Shadman holds the Innovators Network Endowed Chair at Fred Hutch.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Glow-tagging the androgen receptor reveals an unexpected vulnerability in advanced prostate cancer
In a recent study in Nature Genetics, Haolong Li, PhD, and colleagues developed a way to monitor androgen receptor (AR) levels inside tumor cells., which can be used to identify genes that maintain AR levels within prostate cancer cells. Because prostate cancer depends on AR signaling for growth, this understanding could reveal new therapeutic vulnerabilities and a new way to study other hormone-driven cancers.
Media contact: Heather Platisha, hplatisha@fredhutch.org
Health and wellness
Q&A: How your blood could help a cancer patient
With an ongoing shortage of donated blood, Medical Director of Transfusion Sandhya Panch, MD, MPH, discusses how blood supply shortages affect people with cancer, the different types of blood donations and ways for people to get involved.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Supplements don’t prevent cancer, studies show
Despite the popularity of dietary supplements, Fred Hutch researchers find that they offer little benefit, with some even increasing cancer risk and interfering with treatment. Experts including Garnet Anderson, PhD, Heather Greenlee, ND, PhD, MPH, and Suz Stein, MDM, RD, share insights about supplements and other recommendations for improving health.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@fredhutch.org
Awards and recognition
Dr. Holly Harris awarded the inaugural Bus Family Endowed Chair for research on women’s health
Holly Harris, MPH, ScD, is the inaugural holder of the Bus Family Endowed Chair, which will support cancer prevention and early detection or precision oncology related to the treatment of uterine, ovarian and breast cancers. The award is made possible by Dick and Melinda Bus and aims to support wide-ranging breakthroughs in women’s health.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@fredhutch.org
Fred Hutch announces 12 recipients of the annual Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award
Fred Hutch announced 12 recipients of the Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award, which recognizes exceptional achievements in biological sciences. This year’s recipients represented research institutions across the United States, exploring topics including tumor metabolism, sensory reception and DNA replication. The award honors the late molecular biologist Dr. Harold “Hal” Weintraub.
Media contact: Shayla Ring, sring@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.
- Screened, but not finished
- Space Invaders: Extracellular bacterial occupation alters tumor fate
- Giving CAR T a second life in osteosarcoma
- Deep mutational scanning gives new insights into flu virus evolution
- Down to the wire: Shorter timelines make better flu predictions
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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.