Translational Research Program

The overarching goals of the Translational Research Program are to discover and translate molecular and epidemiological findings. To achieve our goals we conduct research in the laboratory and in the clinic. Our laboratory research is aimed at advancing our understanding of the biological basis for various exposure-disease relationships. Our clinical efforts are focused For improved risk assessment, early disease detection, prognostication, treatment decision making and survivorship.

We strive to help the implementation of personalized medicine or the tailoring of specialized and individualized treatment to the specific characteristics of the disease. In practice, this means using molecular profiles of tissue or blood samples to accurately predict a person's susceptibility of developing disease, the presence of disease, disease prognosis and its response to different treatments.

Cancer Early Detection

Our researchers discover and validate novel early-detection biomarkers for multiple cancers including breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers
 

Risk Assessment and Exposure Assessment

Current efforts include the discovery and validation of transcriptomic and genomic predictors of cancer progression and survival, as well as the effects of diet and lifestyle on biomarkers of cancer susceptibility.

Tumor Biology

Faculty use multiple approaches to explore cancer pathogenesis and progression, including the use of mouse models, cell cultures, and mitochondrial DNA.

 

Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment

Several faculty members are focused on advancing our understanding of cancer metastasis and tumor dormancy through in vitro, in vivo and human studies.

Technology Development

Several novel technologies have been developed by program faculty to advance translational cancer research, including the development of bead-based ELISA assays; the Random Mutation Capture (RMC) assay; high density antibody arrays for high throughput proteomic, glycomic and autoantibody biomarker discovery; technology for interrogating the metabolome; and high-throughput sequencing approaches to characterize the gut microbial community.
 

Research Labs

Photo of James Alvarez

Alvarez Lab

The Alvarez Lab is committed to understanding the cellular and molecular basis of breast cancer recurrence. They take a multidisciplinary approach to this problem, with a focus on identifying the unique biological properties of dormant residual breast cancer cells, which are the reservoir for tumor relapse. The ultimate goal of their research is the discovery of therapies that can prevent tumor recurrence.

Photo of Jason Bielas

Bielas Lab

Using a methodological approach, researchers study the implications of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutations in the development of cancer and age-related disease

Photo of Kevin Barry

Barry Lab

Using human immunology, models of cancer, and cutting-edge methods (such as intravital imaging, multiparameter flow cytometry, and single cell RNAseq) we are working to elucidate the pathways controlling innate immune responses to cancer. Our goal is to generate the basic scientific understanding needed to generate novel therapies to boost protective immune responses to cancer.

Photo of Kevin Cheung

Cheung Lab

The Cheung lab explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells invade, circulate and metastasize as clusters of cells.

Photo of Cyrus Ghajar

Laboratory for the Study of Metastatic Micorenvironements

Cyrus Ghajar directs the Laboratory for the Study of Metastatic Microenvironments (LSM2), exploring how microenvironments of distant tissues regulate quiescence, therapeutic resistance, immune evasion and re-emergence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). Their goal is to develop treatments that eradicate DTCs before they progress to metastases.

Photo of Paul Lampe

Paul Lampe Lab

The Lampe Lab investigates the control of cell growth both at the biological/mechanistic level and through cancer biomarker discovery. Researchers study the cell biology connecting gap junctions and intercellular communication (GJIC) with the control of cell growth, the cell cycle and how the relationship is disrupted during carcinogenesis.

Photo of Tom Kensler

Kensler Lab

The Kensler Lab studies adaptive responses to endogenous and exogenous stress as targets for cancer prevention. Researchers translate small molecule activators of the pathway, probe pathways alone and with other signaling networks, and conduct clinical trials of NRF2 inducers in populations exposed to high levels of environmental carcinogens.

Photo of Christopher Li

Li Group

The Li Group uses multidisciplinary approaches to study the etiology and outcomes of breast and colorectal cancers. Current projects identify novel biomarkers for early detection, evaluate risk factors, identify predictors of poor outcomes, and assess racial/ethnic disparities in stage, treatment and survival.

Latest Translational Research News

More Translational News
Six researchers receive $3.5 million in grants from Kuni Foundation Funds will support innovative high-risk/high-reward projects across Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium with the potential to revolutionize care February 27, 2023
Dead to me? Insights into a tumor’s necrotic core Research from Cheung Lab reveals role for ‘dead zone’ within cancers as a launch system for metastatic spread February 27, 2023
Fred Hutch launches MET-X, a ‘transformative approach to metastatic disease’ New Center for Metastasis Research Excellence aims to detect, prevent, treat and cure stage 4 solid tumor cancers February 3, 2023
New computational tools widen horizons for liquid biopsies Methods allow scientists to use gene regulation patterns to detect cancer subtype in cell-free DNA January 12, 2023

Contact Us

Paul Lampe, Ph.D.

Program Head

Jaime Hicks

Program Operations Director

Mailing Address

Translational Research Program
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
1100 Fairview Ave. N.
Mail Stop M5-A864
PO Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024