A clinical trial at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center seeks to cure treatment-resistant Crohn's disease by transplanting matched bone marrow cells from a sibling or unrelated donor. This new approach replaces an abnormal immune response to intestinal bacteria and loss of immune tolerance with a healthy one.
A new study found that keeping a food journal consistently leads to greater weight loss, with women who skipped meals losing less weight than those who didn't. Eating out frequently is also associated with reduced weight loss, likely due to lack of control over ingredients and portion sizes.
Researchers found that mitochondrial DNA mutations are lower in colon cancer cells than normal cells, contradicting previous beliefs. This discovery suggests that increasing mitochondrial DNA damage may lead to cancer cell death with minimal side effects.
A randomized clinical trial found that moderate weight loss can significantly reduce levels of circulating estrogens associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The study, published by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, showed that losing just 5% of one's total body weight had a beneficial impact on hormone levels.
A study led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found a novel approach to inhibit cancer cells using an inexpensive 'orphan drug', originally developed for sleep disorders. The compound, CSNK 1 epsilon, kills cancer cells while sparing normal tissue, offering new hope for treating Myc-driven cancers.
A study has found that high-throughput sequencing can detect minimal residual disease in nearly double the number of leukemia patients as current gold standard method. This technology offers a greater chance of survival by predicting disease relapse sooner.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have successfully transplanted gene-modified blood stem cells into brain cancer patients to protect their bone marrow against chemotherapy's toxic effects. The study showed that two patients survived longer than predicted, with one remaining alive for over three years.
Male study participants who received an experimental HIV vaccine were at higher risk of infection due to neutralizing antibodies to Ad5 or being uncircumcised. However, the risk level decreased over time and was equal to that of volunteers who received a placebo after about 18 months.
A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that women with low levels of fetal cells have a 70% lower risk of breast cancer, while those with high levels have a four-fold increased risk for colon cancer. The biological reasons behind this contradictory effect are unknown and require further investigation.
A new study has found a link between injectable contraceptives and increased breast cancer risk in young women, particularly those who have recently used the birth control method. Recent DMPA use for over a year was associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk of invasive breast cancer, which dissipates after discontinuation.
Women infected with two different strains of HIV experience more potent antibody responses that can block virus replication, offering insights into developing broad neutralizing antibodies for an HIV vaccine. The study suggests harboring a mixture of viral strains promotes a robust response.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered a way to break down the biological barrier surrounding pancreas cancer tumors, allowing chemotherapy to penetrate and increase survival rates. The new approach shows significant promise for treating this deadly disease.
A study led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that US tobacco-control efforts significantly reduced lung cancer deaths between 1975 and 2000. The researchers estimated that if all smokers had quit after the 1964 Surgeon General's report, an additional 2.5 million people would not have died from lung cancer.
Researchers developed a new approach using billions of clones of patients' own tumor-fighting cells combined with chemotherapy, showing promise in treating advanced melanoma. The treatment resulted in long-term remission and temporary non-progression of disease in some patients.
Biologist Harmit Malik aims to understand whether a lost evolutionary arms race causes lupus autoimmunity. He investigates the role of parasitic 'jumping genes' and their interaction with defense mechanisms, which may provide a new model for understanding lupus.
A multicenter study found two biomarkers in urine to correlate with aggressive prostate cancer among men on active surveillance. The markers, PCA3 and TMPRSS2-ERG, may lead to a non-invasive test to complement biopsy for predicting disease aggressiveness and progression.
Researchers discovered a newly acquired trait in some HIV-related viruses that allows them to degrade primate SAMHD1 proteins. The ability emerged first in Vpr proteins before the emergence of Vpx proteins.
A research team has identified the genes and proteins that damage muscle cells in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a common form of inherited muscular dystrophy. The discovery could lead to a biomarker-based test for diagnosis, as well as future treatments.
A diet high in fiber, such as whole grains and legumes, reduces markers of inflammation by 22% in overweight adults. The diet also increases a hormone that regulates metabolism, providing a clinically useful strategy for reducing chronic disease risk.
Scientists have solved the three-dimensional structure of a newly discovered type of gene-targeting protein called TAL effector, which has a unique LEGO-like modular architecture. This discovery enables researchers to engineer the protein for targeted gene modification, genetic engineering, and corrective gene therapy.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that women who skipped mid-morning snacking lost more weight compared to those who snacked. Healthy snacks can aid in weight loss, but timing is crucial.
Patients aged 60-75 who received the mini-transplant experienced comparable survival rates across three age groups, with increased comorbidities and cancer aggressiveness affecting outcomes. The five-year survival rate was 35% for overall and 32% for disease-progression free
A team of researchers has elucidated the mechanics of the endocycle, a novel cell cycle that plays a crucial role in plant and animal growth. By studying genetic transcription factors and enzymes driving endocycling, the team discovered a molecular oscillator that controls cell growth rates.
Carissa Perez Olsen, a Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center scientist, has won the prestigious NIH Director's Early Independence Award. She will receive $1.25 million to study the mechanisms of cancer, aging-related diseases, and natural aging using C. elegans as a model organism.
A team of Seattle researchers has mapped the genome of advanced prostate cancers, identifying 'hypermutation' as a key driver of disease progression and potential resistance to therapies. The study provides clues for early detection and new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers have discovered blood proteins associated with early lung cancer development in mice and humans, offering a promising avenue for a non-invasive blood test. The study found distinct protein signatures in mouse models and human patients, which could aid in diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.
A team co-led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has been selected to participate in a National Cancer Institute-funded research consortium. The researchers will analyze proteins in blood associated with genetic alterations leading to cancer, with the goal of developing reliable blood tests for early detection and treatment.
Researchers used PET scans to measure estrogen-receptor blocking and binding in breast cancer patients. The study found that estrogen-receptor-blocking drugs such as tamoxifen were more effective than aromatase inhibitors in blocking the estrogen receptor in cancer cells.
A team of researchers has identified five genetic variants that play a key role in the progression and mortality of prostate cancer. The discovery could lead to the development of a simple blood test to determine which patients need aggressive treatment versus conservative care.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will extend its role as a coordinating hub for a nationwide research consortium studying the link between obesity and cancer. The initiative aims to understand the underlying behavioral causes of obesity and ways to prevent it, particularly among high-risk populations.
Using a 'systems biology' approach, researchers identified proteins in the blood that change in abundance long before aggressive breast cancer is clinically detectable. The study found that host tissues respond to and amplify signals from tumor cells, leading to changes in blood-protein levels.
A new $20 million, five-year study will test transplantation of gene-modified immune cells to deny HIV entry into the body's blood cells. Researchers aim to develop tools to eradicate existing reservoirs of infection and potentially eliminate the disease.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center demonstrate a staged, targeted pipeline approach using mass spectrometry to prioritize and validate protein biomarkers in mice. This method enables the testing of a larger number of biomarker candidates than conventional technologies, improving the efficiency of biomarker evaluation. The stu...
A recent study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that bankruptcy rates among cancer patients rise fourfold within five years of diagnosis. The risk is highest for lung, thyroid and leukemia/lymphoma cancer patients, who face significant financial stress due to income loss and treatment costs.
A year-long study of 439 overweight-to-obese postmenopausal women found that losing more than 15% of their body weight significantly increases circulating vitamin D levels. This effect is independent of dietary intake and is not linear, with more substantial increases found in those who lose greater amounts of weight.
Researchers have successfully used gene-modified stem cells to protect bone marrow cells from chemotherapy's toxic effects in patients with brain tumors. The treatment involved infusing gene-modified blood stem cells into patients, which persisted for over a year without showing any harmful effects.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have discovered a new drug target for squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer. The protein alpha-catenin acts as a tumor suppressor and regulates cell proliferation by controlling Yap1 activity in cancer cells.
A study found that most patients experience a return to normal motor and memory function within five years after stem cell transplant. However, some patients continue to have measurable deficits in fine motor skills and verbal memory, highlighting the need for cognitive rehabilitation strategies.
A nationwide study found that men with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood have a two-and-a-half times higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. In contrast, those with high levels of trans-fatty acids had a 50% lower risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
A study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers reveals a signaling protein called Reelin helps brain cells navigate during development. This finding may hold clues to understanding how cancer cells migrate within the body.
A randomized trial found that overweight postmenopausal women who combined a low-fat, low-calorie diet with regular aerobic exercise shed nearly 11 percent of their starting weight. This study suggests that combining diet and exercise is more effective for weight loss than either method alone.
Researchers found that vaccinating 50-70% of people in high-risk areas after the outbreak would reduce morbidity and mortality by roughly 50%. A mobile stockpile of oral cholera vaccine could be deployed to mitigate future epidemics, especially in developing countries with poor sanitation infrastructure.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will lead the Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network (CITN), a multicenter research network on promising new agents that boost patients' immune systems. The CITN aims to develop treatments for cancer by selecting, designing and conducting early-phase trials using priority agents.
The Breast Health Global Initiative has published a landmark publication offering diverse but not insurmountable barriers to breast cancer screening and treatment in developing nations. Key findings include the need for public awareness, pathology services, and supportive care services to improve breast health care programs.
A study of Yup'ik Eskimos found that high intake of omega-3 fats from fish reduces markers of chronic disease risk in overweight/obese people. Obesity did not increase inflammation and blood triglycerides among participants with high blood levels of omega-3 fats.
The 2011 Harold M. Weintraub Graduate Student Award has been awarded to 12 graduate students from institutes across North America who have made significant contributions to the field of biological sciences. The award recognizes the quality, originality and significance of their research.
A study by Amanda Phipps at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that full-term pregnancies increase the risk of triple-negative breast cancer, while never giving birth lowers it. Conversely, childless women face a higher risk of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.
Women experiencing hot flushes and menopausal symptoms may have a 50 percent lower risk of developing invasive ductal and invasive lobular carcinoma. The protective effect increases with the number and severity of symptoms.
A new NIH-funded study aims to identify genetic variations that influence the outcome of stem-cell transplants for blood cancers and predict complications. The research, led by Dr. John Hansen, will analyze data from over 5,000 patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants.
A decade of refinements in marrow and stem cell transplantation significantly reduced the risk of treatment-related complications and death. The study observed a 60% reduction in the risk of death within 200 days of transplant and a 41% reduction in overall mortality at any time after transplant.