Patient Advocacy in Cancer Care: HIV Research Insights & Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness (2025)

Fred Hutch Cancer Center: Leading the Way in Cancer and Infectious Disease Research

SEATTLE, November 4, 2025

Fred Hutch Cancer Center is at the forefront of medical innovation, combining personalized care with cutting-edge research to offer the most advanced cancer treatment options. Based in Seattle, this independent, nonprofit organization is dedicated to accelerating discoveries that can prevent, treat, and cure cancer and infectious diseases worldwide.

Here's a breakdown of recent developments and achievements:

Patient Advocacy and Awareness

• Health Literacy Month: Fred Hutch emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy in healthcare. Through resources and advice, they empower patients to take an active role in their care, making informed decisions. Gentry King, MD, Laura Carr, and Andrea Suzuki provide valuable insights into patient navigation and advocacy.
• Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Event: The center hosted an event to raise awareness about invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), a common subtype of breast cancer. Patient stories, expert insights from Hannah Linden, MD, and Christopher Li, MD, PhD, along with epidemiological findings, were shared to educate the public and promote early detection.

Infectious Disease Research

• HIV/AIDS Research Impact: HIV/AIDS research at Fred Hutch has had a profound global impact, saving millions of lives. Leaders in the field, including Larry Corey, MD, explain how U.S.-funded research has advanced HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and understanding of immunology, cancer therapy, and cardiovascular diseases. The focus is on continuing HIV discovery medicine and developing an effective vaccine.

Clinical Care and Leadership

• Breast Cancer Initiatives: Dr. Heather Parsons takes the lead in Fred Hutch's breast cancer initiatives. Her expertise in breast cancer research and treatment is recognized through the Maudslien Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Precision Oncology Research. Her work focuses on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for early cancer detection and personalized treatment.
• Oncology Insights Podcast: Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, introduces a new podcast that explores the latest advancements in cancer care and research. The podcast aims to educate and engage patients, colleagues, and the community, covering topics like innovative treatments and clinical trials.

Basic Sciences and Awards

• Gene Expression Research: Steven Henikoff, PhD, received the Lewis S. Rosenstiel Award for his groundbreaking research in gene expression. His lab's collaboration with Eric Holland, MD, PhD, uses advanced sequencing techniques to develop better cancer diagnostics and therapies. This research has the potential to impact cancer treatment significantly.
• Frog-Inspired Discoveries: Yasuhiro Arimura, PhD, utilizes frog eggs to create test tube chromosomes, providing insights into cell and embryonic development. This research has implications for understanding human genetics and cellular processes.

Awards and Recognition

• Statistical Excellence: Jingyi Jessica Li, PhD, joined Fred Hutch as the head of the Biostatistics Program and holds the Donald and Janet K. Guthrie Endowed Chair in Statistics. Her work expands the use of applied statistics in cancer research, contributing to more accurate and effective treatments.

Community Engagement and Support

• Volunteer Spotlight: Longtime volunteers Karen Leslie and David Hopkins share their dedication to Fred Hutch, reflecting on their cancer survivor journeys and the impact of their service. Their commitment highlights the power of community support in cancer research and patient advocacy.
• Campaign for Fred Hutch: The campaign aims to raise $3 billion to accelerate cancer and infectious disease research. Leaders Kathy Surace-Smith, Kelly Price, and Ric Anderson share their volunteer experiences and ways to contribute to Fred Hutch's mission.

Science Spotlight

• Monthly Research Summaries: Fred Hutch's Science Spotlight features articles by postdoctoral fellows, summarizing recent research papers. Topics cover a wide range, from radiation therapy workshops to data-driven COVID-19 vaccine trials, offering valuable insights into cutting-edge science.

Fred Hutch Cancer Center continues to make significant strides in cancer and infectious disease research, patient advocacy, and community engagement, shaping the future of healthcare and saving lives worldwide.