Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Programs
Fred Hutch gives scientists the freedom to investigate and make new discoveries. Small discoveries often lead to major breakthroughs. We have scientists exploring the basic mechanism by which cells resist viral infection and tumor growth, aging and how to suspend metabolism to improve survival of battlefield injuries.
More funding is needed to tackle big questions faster. With government spending flattening, we’re more dependent than ever on private funding. Current patients need answers now and our collective future depends on us learning more, faster. You can personally help.
Lifesaving Research
Fred Hutch encourages collaborative innovation that has led to profound breakthroughs in cancer research for over three decades. Research at Fred Hutch has resulted in a million bone marrow transplants around the globe, 20,000 fewer breast cancer cases per year, and new insights into solid tumor treatment. Our sights are now set on prevention, earlier diagnosis, and rallying the body’s natural defenses to fight cancer.
Education
For more than 20 years, Fred Hutch has been collaborating with middle and high school science teachers in Washington state to effectively engage students in science education through the Science Education Partnership (SEP). With the help of these outstanding teachers, SEP has reached an estimated 300,000 students.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Fred Hutch is a proven world leader in cancer research.
- Our Nobel Prize-winning bone marrow transplants have boosted survival rates from nearly zero to 90 percent for certain types of leukemia.
- Because of our work in transplantation we were among the first to recognize the cancer-fighting power of the immune system and now lead the fast-growing field of Immunotherapy.
- We pioneered “tumor paint,” which lights up cancer cells so surgeons can easily target them while operating. We are using this understanding of the power of Nature to create “optides,” a potentially new, less toxic treatment for cancer and related diseases.
- Fred Hutch laid the groundwork for two of the HPV vaccines approved by the FDA, helping eradicate the cause of 70 percent of all cervical cancers.
- Fred Hutch scientists have also discovered a link between a sedentary lifestyle and breast cancer.
- Our Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study helped reduce breast cancer by approximately 20,000 cases per year. This 12-year clinical trial of more than 161,000 women helped prove a link between hormone-replacement therapy and the risk of invasive breast cancer and other health problems.
- Our researchers are spearheading a technique that makes cord blood transplants – a powerful alternative to bone marrow transplants – available to anyone who needs them, even if they can’t find a genetically-matching donor.
Our community’s generosity is critical to eradicating cancer and saving lives. It’s the genesis of scientific breakthroughs and leads to significant government grants—helping Fred Hutch save thousands of lives worldwide.