Fred Hutch

10/15/2026

What could the next five years mean for HSV research?

Fred Hutch virologist Dr. Keith Jerome says the field needs "multiple shots on goal" with researchers pursuing different strategies at the same time. The goal? New approaches that could lead to durable control, where the virus no longer causes symptoms or spreads, or potentially even a cure.

Progress happens when many ideas are tested, compared and refined. In this clip, Jerome shares why expanding the field may be one of the most important steps forward.

🔗 Tap the link in the comments for the full conversation.

10/15/2026

A decade of progress in lobular breast cancer research was on display at the 2026 International Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) Symposium, where researchers, clinicians and advocates gathered to accelerate discoveries for this historically understudied disease. Drs. Kevin Cheung and Hannah Linden represented Fred Hutch Cancer Center, sharing research and clinical insights while connecting with the global lobular breast cancer community.

The symposium also marked the launch of the Lobular American Research Consortium (LARC), a new collaborative effort bringing together 18 research teams to tackle the biggest unanswered questions in lobular breast cancer. Fred Hutch has joined the consortium, with a multidisciplinary team that includes Drs. Heather Parsons, Kevin Cheung, Nancy Davidson and Marko Velimirovic.

Visit the link in the comments to read more.

10/15/2026

This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to help shape what’s next in cancer and infectious disease research. When you give to Fred Hutch Cancer Center, you can help change what's possible for people facing cancer. Your support helps researchers ask bold questions, test new ideas, and pursue discoveries that can help improve patients' lives while shaping the future of cancer care.

Every gift moves cancer research forward and brings new possibilities within reach for patients everywhere. Join us: https://bit.ly/3VlcJTm

10/14/2026

When Amer Karim arrived at Fred Hutch with severe bone pain, doctors feared his kidney cancer had returned. Instead, a multidisciplinary team of six specialists uncovered something far rarer: tumor-induced osteomalacia, an ultrarare condition that causes bones to weaken and fracture. By combining expertise across oncology, orthopedics, radiology, nuclear medicine, endocrinology and rehabilitation, the team solved a complex medical mystery and helped Karim reclaim his mobility.

“This is why I love my job — putting a puzzle together and helping someone who is miserable is why I do what I do,” Dr. Peter Thurlow said. “That’s why we all do this work. For patients with this problem, no one is going to put these pieces together just on their own. It’s a very rare diagnosis, but once everyone comes together and you compare all the information, it fits perfectly.”

It’s a powerful reminder that breakthrough care happens when experts come together around one patient and one shared goal. Read the full story using the link in the comments.

10/14/2026

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a very common infection which can cause recurring sores. It’s estimated that about 64% of people have HSV-1 and that about 13% have HSV-2.

Because cancer treatments can weaken the immune system, it can increase the chances of HSV reactivation.

“The highest risk for more severe manifestations is in patients who have immunosuppression,” said Fred Hutch infectious disease physician Josh Schiffer, MD, MSc.

We asked a few Fred Hutch infectious disease experts what cancer patients should know about HSV. Check out what they had to say using the link in the comments.

10/13/2026

“These surgeries to remove the nodule are usually minimally invasive with a low rate of complications,” said Dr. Matty Triplette, medical director of the Lung Cancer Screening Program and specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Fred Hutch. “The outcomes are quite good, with a 5-year disease free survival of (more than) 80% for the earliest stages of non-small cell lung cancer.”

He spoke to CNN before the Pope’s diagnosis was confirmed.

Pope Leo XIV is recovering at a Rome hospital after a “successful” surgery to remove part of his right lung which was found to have a cancerous growth, according to a statement from the Vatican.

10/13/2026

More than half the world's population lives with HSV-1, HSV-2, or both. Yet stigma has kept herpes out of many public conversations and, according to Fred Hutch virologist Dr. Keith Jerome, may have also slowed scientific progress.

In this clip, Jerome explains why HSV represents a significant unmet health need and why bringing more researchers, ideas and resources into the field could help accelerate progress toward better treatments and potential cures.

🔗 Visit the link in the comments for the full conversation.

10/12/2026

Hard to beat autumn in Seattle. 🍁

10/12/2026

"It can be really empowering to have breast reconstruction or at least know what your options are." - Dr. Shannon Colohan, reconstructive plastic surgeon at Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.

A cancer diagnosis can bring an overwhelming wave of emotions including fear, uncertainty, hope, and resilience often all at once. For many, facing the possibility of breast reconstruction after treatment adds another layer of complexity to the healing journey. It’s not just a physical decision, but an emotional one that touches on identity, body image, and recovery.

Interested in learning more about breast reconstructive surgery? Check out the link in the comments.

10/11/2026

Despite a tumultuous year of changes and proposed changes to how the federal government invests in scientific research, the director of the National Cancer Institute, sees a bright future.

“We’re going to see more progress over the next 10 years than we’ve seen in any other 10-year period,” said Anthony Letai, MD, PhD in an interview with Fred Hutch News. “Young people should consider themselves lucky to be alive in cancer research at these times so they can participate in what I think will a very fertile decade of progress.”

Letai was the featured speaker for the annual President’s Seminar at Fred Hutch Cancer Center last month.

He spoke to Fred Hutch News about federal funding for cancer research and the role NCI can play to improve clinical trial activation and enrollment. Visit the link in the comments to learn more.