Attention everyone! We're diving into some fascinating insights from the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, where patient advocacy is not just a buzzword but a powerful force shaping research and care. Get ready for an eye-opening journey!
The Power of Patient Advocacy
At Fred Hutch, they believe that patients are the experts on their own experiences. This belief has led to the establishment of the Patient and Family Engagement Program (PFE), an initiative that empowers patients and caregivers to actively participate in cancer care and research. Brandelyn Bergstedt, the founder of PFE, recognized the invaluable insights patients bring to the table, and nearly 15 years later, the program has grown exponentially.
The PFE incorporates hundreds of advisors and advocates, who contribute to committees, focus groups, panel discussions, and events. But here's where it gets controversial: patients are now being matched with researchers and scientists to design clinical trials and cancer prevention studies. Former cancer patients and participants are sharing their stories, work, and goals with the PFE, highlighting the impact of lived experience on cancer research and care.
Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness
Fred Hutch recently hosted a program in recognition of Global Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, shedding light on a common yet often overlooked subtype of breast cancer. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) accounts for 15% of new cases annually, and the American Cancer Society has released its first report on ILC's occurrence and outcome, revealing a steep rise in rates over recent years.
The event featured patient stories and insights from experts, including Hannah Linden, MD, and Christopher Li, MD, PhD. They discussed epidemiological findings and new developments in screening and clinical trials, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection.
HIV/AIDS Research: A Global Impact
HIV/AIDS research has saved millions of lives worldwide and led to groundbreaking advances in multiple diseases. In an article published in Nature Medicine, leaders in HIV research, including Larry Corey, MD, explain how U.S.-funded HIV research has not only advanced our understanding, treatment, and prevention of HIV/AIDS but has also contributed to discoveries in immunology, cancer therapy, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Experts emphasize the need to continue the momentum in HIV discovery medicine and pursue an effective HIV vaccine. This research has the potential to benefit countless lives and shape the future of healthcare.
Fred Hutch's Commitment to Cancer Care
Fred Hutch is dedicated to providing the latest cancer treatment options while accelerating discoveries that prevent, treat, and cure cancer and infectious diseases worldwide. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is an independent, nonprofit organization and the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.
Their global reputation for discoveries in cancer, infectious disease, and basic research is well-deserved, with important advances in bone marrow transplantation, immunotherapy, HIV/AIDS prevention, and COVID-19 vaccines. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites, offering medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy, and related services. They also serve as UW Medicine's cancer program.
A Look at Fred Hutch's Recent Research and News
Taking an Active Role in Your Care: In celebration of Health Literacy Month, Fred Hutch shares resources and advice for patients to advocate for themselves in clinical settings. Gentry King, MD, and Laura Carr, the Heath Literacy Program Manager, emphasize the importance of health literacy and patient empowerment.
Dr. Heather Parsons Leads Breast Cancer Initiatives: Heather Parsons, MD, MPH, is the new program head of the Breast Oncology Program and an associate professor in the Clinical Research Division. Her current research focuses on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), a cancer marker that can be detected in a person's blood, aiding in cancer identification and treatment determination.
Oncology Insights with Petros Grivas: Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, introduces his new podcast, exploring the latest developments in cancer care and research. He emphasizes the importance of learning from colleagues, engaging with patients, and fostering community partnerships. The podcast will feature a range of guests and topics, including innovative treatments, clinical trials, and educational initiatives in oncology.
Basic Sciences at Fred Hutch: Steven Henikoff, PhD, won the 55th Lewis S. Rosenstiel Award for his innovative research in gene expression. His lab has developed precise methods to study how DNA is packaged with proteins, and a recent collaboration with Eric Holland, MD, PhD, aims to develop better cancer diagnostics and potential new therapies.
Frogs as a Model Organism: Human genetics overlap significantly with frogs, making the species Xenopus laevis a versatile model organism to study cells and embryonic development. Structural biologist Yasuhiro Arimura, PhD, is using frog egg molecular materials to create test tube chromosomes that mimic natural human cell chromosomes.
Awards and Recognition: Jingyi Jessica Li, PhD, joined Fred Hutch as the head of the Biostatistics Program and is the inaugural holder of the Donald and Janet K. Guthrie Endowed Chair in Statistics. Li, a recipient of the 2025 Mortimer Spiegelman Award, will use the chair's funding to expand the use of applied statistics in cancer research.
Community News: Longtime volunteers Karen Leslie and David Hopkins, both cancer survivors, have dedicated over 30 years to supporting Fred Hutch. They reflect on their decades of service and the impact they've made.
The Campaign for Fred Hutch: Aiming to raise $3 billion, the campaign aims to accelerate innovation in cancer and infectious disease research. Three campaign committee leaders share their motivation, engagement strategies, and ways everyone can contribute to supporting Fred Hutch's mission.
Science Spotlight: A monthly installment of articles written by postdoctoral fellows, summarizing new research papers from Fred Hutch scientists. Topics include radiation therapy workshops, the fight against prostate cancer, data-driven enrollment for COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, supporting cancer survivorship, and rare cancers.
Fred Hutch Cancer Center is a powerhouse of innovation and dedication, and these recent developments showcase their commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives.
And this is the part most people miss: the power of patient advocacy and the impact it has on research and care. It's a reminder that every voice matters and that together, we can make a difference. What are your thoughts on the role of patient advocacy in healthcare? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
