Newswise — Fred Hutch is committed to better understanding prostate cancer, creating new treatment therapies and technologies and ultimately, finding a cure.
Below are brief summaries of the work our researchers are doing around prostate cancer and some high-level points to be aware of.
- Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men
- The American Cancer Society estimates over 29,000 men will die from it this year
- More than 2.9 million men in the US who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point, are still alive today
Lazy or lethal; identifying the high-risk prostate cancers
New research from Fred Hutch could help doctors better differentiate the biological markers that measure the aggressiveness of a prostate cancer tumor.
Staying ahead of treatment resistant tumors
Certain prostate cancer patients develop tumors that resist hormone-targeting therapies. New findings from Fred Hutch researchers show a promising combination therapy could be the key to treating these rare cases.
Vitamin D’s effect on prostate cancer
Fred Hutch researchers are examining the potential of vitamin D and its ability to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Lower weight and lower risk
A new study is underway, looking at whether weight loss, through diet and exercise, will improve the health of men with low-grade prostate cancer.
Access to genetic testing
Genetic testing offers a number of benefits to patients with advanced prostate cancer, including more targeted treatment, but access can be a problem for many men. The GENTleMEN study (GENetic Testing for MEN with prostate cancer) hopes to change that by offering free testing and counseling.
To screen or not to screen
New guidelines and recommendations about prostate cancer screenings can be confusing. Fred Hutch research found that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer is more effective than previously reported. A related analysis found black men in particular, benefit from earlier screenings.
Finding equity
Prostate cancer is more common and more deadly for black men than their white counterparts. Fred Hutch is teaming with several other organizations to explore barriers and find solutions to a number of health disparities.
Spokespeople and areas of expertise:
- Janet Stanford, prostate cancer risk factors
- Pete Nelson, genomic features of prostate cancer tumors
- Marian Neuhouser, lifestyle factors and cancer prevention
- Jonathan Wright, prostate cancer prevention, screening and treatment
- Heather Cheng, prostate cancer treatment
- Ruth Etzioni, population-wide studies of prostate cancer screening and survival rates
- Jay Mendoza, disparities in outcomes for prostate cancer patients
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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.
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