SEATTLE — Dec. 10, 2021 — Below are summaries of recent Fred Hutch research findings and other news.
If you’re covering the 63rd American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition (ASH), see our media tip sheet to see what our researchers will present on CAR T-cell therapies, microbiome and transplantation, and much more.
COVID-19
Latest Fred Hutch research on COVID-19 If you’re interested in learning more or covering this research, contact: media@fredhutch.org
- See what Fred Hutch coronavirus experts are saying about how the omicron variant may affect us, what is known so far, and what key questions we need to answer.
- Researchers led by Dr. Jennifer Lund and Dr. Martin Prlic reported their research in Science Advances that regulatory T cells show a distinct “immune signature” in COVID-19 patients.
- Dr. Peter Gilbert and his team published their findings on “correlates of protection” for the Moderna mRNA vaccine in Science.
- And biostatistician Dr. Elizabeth Halloran’s recent paper explores, Will SARS-CoV-2 become endemic?
Diversity, equity and inclusion
In research and cancer care, Indigenous representation matters
Representation at all levels, from the health care system to the research level is important to making sure all groups are represented and cared for. Data from the National Cancer Institute shows that American Indian/Alaska Native populations have the lowest survival rates for nearly all types of cancer of any subpopulation in the U.S. Indigenous groups are often overlooked, but Fred Hutch community health educator Craig Dee is working to close those gaps.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Dr. Christopher Li named associate director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Fred Hutch/UW Cancer Consortium
Dr. Christopher Li will serve as the first associate director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for the Fred Hutch/UW Cancer Consortium. In this role, he will coordinate and lead work that enhances DEI efforts across the consortium’s partner institutions, Fred Hutch, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, UW and Seattle Children’s.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
HIV research
World AIDS Day 2021: Let's give the gifts of hope and focus to HIV research
Dr. Larry Corey, past president and director of Fred Hutch and founder of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network shared reflections on the connection between COVID-19 response and HIV research. Long established tools of HIV research infrastructure allowed the quick development of COVID-19 vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and antiviral treatments.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Cancer research
Science Says: COVID-19 and Cancer Research
At the end of November, Fred Hutch scientists were joined by comedian Trevor Noah to talk about their work on both cancer and COVID-19. Noah's interviews were followed by a special live Q&A led by Fred Hutch President and Director Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr. covering the latest on the omicron variant of COVID-19.
Media contact: Kat Wynn, kwynn@fredhutch.org
Beyond BRCA and breast cancer risk
While many variants or mutations are commonly known to drive breast and ovarian cancers, less commonly known is that they can also be associated with other cancers such as pancreatic, prostate and melanoma. patients. With the increasing accessibility of genetic testing, the need for information and interpretation of genetic analysis is necessary.
Media contact: Claire Hudson, crhudson@fredhutch.org
Toward better cures for kids with AML: Q&A with Dr. Soheil Meshinchi
While leukemia from adults and children may look the same, they are distinctly different. Knowing this, Dr. Soheil Meshinchi works to find the right treatments for young people with the most deadly form of leukemia in childhood: acute myeloid leukemia.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Data science
Dr. Robert Bradley named scientific director of Fred Hutch Translational Data Science Integrated Research Center
Dr. Robert Bradley, computational biologist, was named scientific director of the Hutch’s Translational Data Science Integrated Research Center. The integrated research center works to leverage recent advances and spur further innovation in large-scale biological experiments, computational methods and infrastructure.
Media contact: Molly McElroy, mwmcelro@fredhutch.org
Science spotlight
Science Spotlight is a monthly installment of articles written by postdoctoral fellows at Fred Hutch that summarize new research papers from Hutch scientists. If you’re interested in learning more or covering these topics, contact: media@fredhutch.org
- Mps1: A new referee in a game of cellular tug-of-war
- Uncovering the secrets of HIV latency
- Repairing the damage: regeneration of the mouse thymus
- Associations of the gut microbiome and hepatic adiposity
- Thwarting relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
- Epigenetic heterogeneity helps cancer cells change their minds
# # #
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.