SEATTLE — June 2, 2021 — Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch research findings and other news.
If you are covering news at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (June 4-8), check out our ASCO page highlighting Fred Hutch presentations and feel free to reach out to our media team for help sourcing experts: media@fredhutch.org.
Our next monthly public science event, “Science Says,” will focus on equity and medical research. Join us for the virtual discussion, Curing cancer for all: Increasing equity, access, and diversity, 9-10 am PT Tuesday, June 15. Please RSVP HERE by Monday, June 14.
Addressing a ‘massive unmet need’ in COVID-19 treatment Even as COVID-19 vaccine distribution expands, it is still important as ever to find medications to treat those who become infected. Doctors want new treatments that are highly effective, easily delivered to large numbers of patients and can stop the disease before symptoms become severe. In addition to preventing the worst possible outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, new treatments are needed to address the burgeoning problem of people who are experiencing extended periods of effects from SARS-CoV-2. Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Latest Fred Hutch research on COVID-19 In this latest recap of recent COVID-19 news, read about how: – Our scientists have identified a commonality that could lead to the design of a future universal coronavirus vaccine. Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org – A group of scientists, including Fred Hutch’s Dr. Jesse Bloom, wrote a letter publad an ished in Science calling for an investigation for the origins of SARS-CoV-2 to better prevent future pandemics. Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
AIDS@40: Stories of hope and heroes
Saturday, June 5, 2021 marks 40 years since publication of the first medical report of HIV/ AIDS. To commemorate the milestone, Fred Hutch has gathered 40 stories written by Hutch writers in recent years about the science of stopping HIV and the people who have devoted their lives to achieving this goal. Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Risk vs. benefit: Bisphosphonates in breast cancer Bisphosphonates are popular bone-targeting drugs often used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Breast cancer patients, particularly those with metastatic disease, take them to prevent and treat bone lesions or “mets.” A new analysis by scientists at Fred Hutch suggests the drugs might keep people diagnosed with DCIS — the very earliest form of breast cancer — from developing invasive disease. Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Researchers ID potential new drug target in bladder cancer Reining in protein production could have therapeutic effects on bladder tumors, according to new work by Fred Hutch researchers Dr. Andrew Hsieh and Dr. Sujata Jana. They showed that an experimental drug that blocks protein synthesis — one which is already being evaluated in people with other cancers — slows bladder tumor progression and extends survival in mouse models of the disease. Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelroy@fredhutch.org
Colorectal Cancer Screening Changes Colorectal Cancer Screenings should begin at 45 according to a new recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. Fred Hutch researchers are seeking better ways to prevent and detect colon polyps and colon cancer, and better ways to treat colorectal cancer. Much of our research is focused on developing more precise ways to prevent colon cancer through early detection and prompt, personalized treatment. Learn more about Fred Hutch colorectal cancer research. Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
What can worms teach us about ourselves? Humans face similar challenges as other animals on Earth, how to survive, reproduce and find food. Meeting these challenges requires animals to act on their perceptions of the world around them. To understand the essential processes that shape how all animals do this, and the possible implications for human disorders, Dr. Jihong Bai studies the nervous systems of minuscule worms called nematodes. This research is leading to links in expected places in the study of human health. Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Bringing science and better health outcomes to all Fred Hutch’s yearly symposium was presented virtually on Friday, May 21, by the Consortium’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement. It brought together investigators, advocates, health care providers and more to hash out the harsh truths, progress and ideas and hail the dedicated heroes in the trenches, who this year helped communities across the Puget Sound and beyond navigate cancer and an equally cruel pandemic. Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Fred Hutch announces 12 recipients of Dr. Eddie Méndez award Dr. Eddie Méndez is remembered for his commitment to supporting early career scientists who are historically under-represented in science were underrepresented, including racial minorities, ethnic groups and individuals with disabilities. This year’s awardees represent a breadth of scientific research including the microbiome, biobehavioral reasons for health disparities, and SARS-CoV-2. Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Dr. Larry Corey receives public service award from American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Renowned virologist Dr. Larry Corey is one of two winners of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy’s Sonia Skarlatos Public Service Award. The award, named after a gene therapy advocate, recognizes a person or group that has consistently fostered and enhanced the field of gene and cell therapy through governmental agencies, public policy groups, public education or nongovernmental charitable organizations. Corey was asked to co-lead the COVID-19 Prevention Network vaccine program, which is responsible for implementing multiple COVID-19 vaccine efficacy trials in the U.S. and internationally. Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Dr. Yingye Zheng named fellow of American Statistical Association Dr. Yingye Zheng, a professor of biostatistics in the Hutch’s Public Health Sciences Division, has been elected as a fellow of the American Statistical Association. Zheng works primarily in the realm of cancer screening and surveillance research. She is one of the principal investigators of the data coordinating center for the National Cancer Institute’s Population-based Research to Optimize the Screening Process (PROSPR) network, which focuses on colorectal, cervical and lung cancer screening. Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Essential workers illustrate the Heart of the Hutch
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At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch’s pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation’s first National Cancer Institute-funded cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women’s Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network and the COVID-19 Prevention Network.
