A new study published in Cell Reports demonstrates that mice lacking one copy of the CTCF gene are predisposed to cancer due to abnormal DNA methylation. The research also reveals deletions or mutations in CTCF are common events in breast, endometrial, and other human cancers.
The Bezos family's $20 million donation will support the development of novel cancer immunotherapies for various solid tumor cancers. The gift promises to save lives by expanding the use of immunotherapy to treat a range of deadly cancers.
The 2014 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award winners were selected based on the quality, originality and significance of their research. The award recipients will participate in a scientific symposium at Fred Hutch, presenting their work to the public.
Researchers found that a simple questionnaire predicting lung involvement improves patient outcomes in chronic graft-vs.-host disease. A score of 3 indicates shortness of breath at rest or requiring oxygen, associated with higher mortality. Early detection enables timely treatment to reduce symptoms and improve survival.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that high-dose supplementation with selenium and vitamin E increases the risk of high-grade prostate cancer in men. The risk depends on a man's baseline selenium level, with men who have low levels experiencing a higher risk
Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found that removing immune suppressor cells from pancreas tumors triggers a spontaneous anti-tumor immune response, providing hope for future immunotherapy strategies. The study showed that these cells, called granulocyte-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Gr-MDSCs), actively work ag...
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that idelalisib reduces tumor size by at least half in 57% of patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The drug's side effects are manageable, offering a targeted and less harmful approach to treating cancer.
Researchers developed a nomogram to predict likelihood of overdiagnosis based on age, PSA level, and Gleason score. The tool aims to help patients and clinicians make informed decisions about treatment options.
A new method developed by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers can measure hundreds of proteins in a single assay, paving the way for standardized quantification of the human proteome. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate cancer biomarkers and personalized treatments.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center developed a method to count tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes reliably and quickly, which correlates with improved survival rates. The technology has the potential to predict treatment response, cancer recurrence, and disease-free survival earlier and more effectively.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have gained a better understanding of how to increase the window of opportunity to detect potentially dangerous cancers before they're hard to treat. By studying genetic changes in Barrett's esophagus, scientists found that cancer arises suddenly after cells undergo large, drastic mutations.
A large study found a significant association between a history of airborne allergies, particularly to plants, grass, and trees, and an increased risk of hematologic malignancies in women. The study suggests that chronic immune stimulation may play a role in the development of blood cancers in women.
A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center-led study has found a link between two organochlorine pesticides and an increased risk of endometriosis. Women with higher exposures to these pesticides had a 30- to 70-percent increase in endometriosis risk, according to the study.
A large-scale genome-wide association study identified four genetic variants associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer and its precursor, Barrett's esophagus. The study pooled data from over 8,000 participants and found that the genetic variants were more strongly linked to early stages of disease development.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have uncovered a new mechanism by which influenza viruses infect cells, utilizing the protein neuraminidase instead of hemagglutinin. This discovery may have implications for developing immunity against the flu and could lead to new treatments.
The National Cancer Institute has awarded a five-year, $11.3 million competitive grant renewal to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to lead the Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer SPORE consortium. The consortium aims to unravel molecular mechanisms and develop precision-medicine approaches for prostate cancer treatment.
A new study found that specific genomic regions control the tendency of fish to school and their ability to do so effectively. The research has potential implications for understanding complex human social behavior, suggesting a possible genetic link between fish and humans.
A recent study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has discovered a link between mutations in the BTNL2 gene and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The study found that rare variants of this gene are associated with both hereditary and sporadic cases of prostate cancer.
Researchers found a 59% reduced risk of prostate cancer recurrence and/or progression in men who consumed four or more cups of coffee per day. The study suggests that bioactive compounds in coffee may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the results.
A new study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center scientists found that long-term use of calcium-channel blockers increases the risk of invasive ductal and lobular cancers. The study suggests alternative options for managing hypertension may be beneficial for reducing breast cancer risk.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are pioneering a new approach to harness the power of the adaptive immune system to control cancer. They are using high-throughput technology and large-scale data mining to identify potential immune targets and verify their immunogenicity.
A team led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center scientists is developing precision therapies that selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. Using high-throughput screening, they aim to identify new genes to target that may be highly specific to each patient's tumor.
A large prospective study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center scientists confirms the link between high blood concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and an increased risk of prostate cancer. High-grade prostate cancer tumors are more likely to be fatal, and the study found a 71% higher risk for high-grade prostate cancer.
Researchers mapped a young gene's journey to becoming essential in fruit flies, challenging the paradigm that only ancient genes are important. The study found that young and rapidly evolving genes can be indispensable too.
A new study from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that cancer patients are more than two-and-a-half times more likely to declare bankruptcy than those without cancer. Younger cancer patients faced the highest bankruptcy rates, particularly in their early 20s and 30s.
Harmit Malik, an evolutionary geneticist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, has been selected as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator to study genetic conflict and its role in driving evolutionary change. His research focuses on understanding the competition between genes and proteins with opposing functions.
Researchers have identified CD8αα+ T cells, which reside long-term in the genital skin and mucosa, suppressing recurring outbreaks of genital herpes. These immune cells play a crucial role in preventing reactivations of the virus, making them a potential target for vaccine development.
Researchers found that men with prostate cancer who take statin drugs are significantly less likely to die from their cancer. The study, led by Janet L. Stanford, Ph.D., followed over 1,000 Seattle-area prostate cancer patients for almost eight years and found a 5% mortality rate among statin users versus 1% for nonusers.
A study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that fewer than 8% of breast cancer survivors met national exercise guidelines over a 10-year period. Despite benefits such as reduced mortality and improved quality of life, many survivors struggle to maintain adequate physical activity.
The study found that while the program was rarely used, those who participated reported gratitude for receiving a lethal prescription, regardless of use. The most common reasons for participation included loss of autonomy, inability to engage in enjoyable activities, and loss of dignity. SCCA's approach prioritizes palliative care and ...
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that alcohol consumption before and after diagnosis has no impact on breast cancer survival. However, moderate drinkers may have a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, with moderate wine consumption associated with a lower risk.
Patients with advanced head and neck cancers have higher survival rates when treated at high-volume hospitals and dedicated cancer centers. Despite this, the proportion of patients who received multimodality therapy was similar between low- and high-volume hospitals.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center successfully infused large numbers of donor T-cells specific for the Wilm's Tumor Antigen 1 (WT1) to prolong survival in high-risk leukemia patients. The treatment showed improved anti-leukemic activity and reduced graft-vs.-host-disease.
A study has identified variations in four genes associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Carrying one or two copies of these genetic variants increases the risk by 10-40% compared to those without the variants.
A phase 1 clinical trial found that high-dose Vorinostat, combined with standard chemotherapy, was effective in treating relapsed lymphomas, particularly Hodgkin and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The study resulted in a 70% response rate, including complete responses in some patients.
A recent study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that regular consumption of deep-fried foods like French fries and doughnuts is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. The study suggests that frequent and regular consumption of these foods may be linked to more aggressive forms of the disease.
Sue Biggins, a geneticist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, received the National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology for her work on understanding cell division and isolating kinetochores. Her research sheds light on how kinetochores separate chromosomes during cell division, with potential implications for cancer treatment.
A study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that delaying childbirth for at least 15 years after the first menstrual period can reduce the risk of triple-negative breast cancer by up to 60%. Breastfeeding is also associated with a protective effect against this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Researchers discovered that a structure in yeast cells called the vacuole plays a critical role in aging and mitochondrial function. Calorie restriction was found to delay aging by boosting vacuolar acidity, which may have parallels in human cells.
A team of researchers has identified two genetic factors behind facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a rare form of inherited muscular dystrophy. The study found that a combination of genetic variants on chromosomes 4 and 18 cause the production of muscle-damaging toxins, leading to symptoms of the disease.
John Potter will receive the IARC Medal of Honor for his work on environmental and genetic risk factors in colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancers. He is being recognized for his contributions to the field of nutrition and cancer prevention.
A leading bone marrow transplant expert recommends changing current practice to use adult stem cells from bone marrow instead of peripheral blood for unrelated donor transplants. This change can significantly reduce the risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease, a debilitating side effect of transplantation.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that male DNA is commonly detected in the brains of women, possibly derived from previous pregnancies with male fetuses. The research suggests that fetal cells may frequently cross the human blood-brain barrier, leading to microchimerism in the brain.
A new $13 million project at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center aims to identify genetic links to colorectal cancer using next-generation sequencing. The study will reveal entire genome sequences of a subset of samples and capture rare variants that could lead to improved drug development and disease prevention.
A simple three-question paper-and-pencil survey can effectively identify women experiencing symptoms that may indicate ovarian cancer. The study involved 1,200 women and found that the screening tool identified 5% of women with a positive symptom score, resulting in one diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Researchers discovered two specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) linked to acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and disease-free survival. A new screening protocol is being developed to better match patients and donors, with the goal of reducing GVHD incidence.
Researchers identified a genetic variant associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels in African American women, linked to higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. The study found that genetic factors specific to African Americans may contribute to the observed differences in inflammation levels.
Poxviruses evolve to adapt against host defenses by expanding their genome and overcoming immune mechanisms, providing a potent means of adaptation. This discovery offers insights into infectious-disease transmission between animals and humans and has implications for developing better antiviral strategies.
A new study published in the journal Metabolism found that yo-yo dieting does not negatively impact metabolism or weight loss ability in the long term. The study involved 439 overweight women who were assigned to different weight loss groups, and found no significant differences between those with a history of yo-yo dieting and those w...
Cancer cells respond differently to therapy based on their microenvironment, with fibroblasts sustaining DNA damage that promotes growth and resistance. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments by targeting the tumor microenvironment.