Fred Hutch scientists conduct research on and develop therapies for many cancers — including blood cancers and solid tumors — as well as for HIV and other nonmalignant diseases. Our scientists study the disease process from every angle, from the most basic molecular and cellular levels to the population level. Their goals are to uncover the factors that influence a person’s likelihood of developing and surviving a disease and use this knowledge to reduce risk, save lives and improve quality of life.
Cancers
Fred Hutch researchers are experts in understanding the development of blood and solid tumor cancers as well as identifying new ways to diagnose, prevent and treat both adult and pediatric cancers. Long recognized as the world leader in bone marrow transplantation, we are now leading efforts that use the immune system to boost the body’s ability to fight off many forms of cancer.
We are also improving our understanding of the factors that influence each person’s risk of developing cancer, the molecular mechanisms that affect tumor formation and factors that influence a patient’s response to treatment.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Grounded in experience with global health threats ranging from AIDS to Zika, Fred Hutch researchers are an important part of the international scientific response to the pandemic — tracking and modeling the virus' spread, developing diagnostic tests, designing vaccine trials, and working to prevent future outbreaks.
We are also developing guidelines to help physicians with the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 in hematopoietic and cellular therapy patients currently in treatment and who are long past their primary treatment.
HIV/AIDS
Fred Hutch is a longtime leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Our research on prevention, treatment and potential cures includes active studies and statistical assistance for studies across five continents. Our expertise in virology and immunology enables us to investigate HIV at the molecular level to identify events that lead to infection and transmission and to understand the complex relationship between HIV and the immune system.
Our researchers play key roles in several large-scale HIV/AIDS treatment and vaccine trials and networks.
Genetic Disorders
Decades of cancer research at Fred Hutch have given our scientists a deep understanding of other diseases that are also the result of genetic flaws. These include muscular dystrophy, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis and Fanconi anemia.
Our research in this area includes work to develop genetically engineered blood-stem cell therapies that can cure people with inherited blood disorders.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks normal, healthy tissue. Our researchers are learning the causes of autoimmunity at the cellular and molecular levels, and they are developing new treatments for people with these disorders, including scleroderma, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Herpes
Human herpesviruses are a family of pathogens that play an outsized role in inflicting pain and misery on people everywhere.
Herpes simplex type 1 is responsible for oral herpes, or cold sores. Highly contagious, HSV-1 is estimated to have infected 3.7 billion people, about two-thirds of all people under the age of 50. It can also cause genital herpes through oral sex.
Herpes simplex type 2 is the virus responsible for most genital herpes cases. HSV-2 causes recurrent outbreaks of small, painful blisters in a rash that may take 2-4 weeks or more to heal. It can be transmitted even when a person is asymptomatic. About 12 percent of the U.S. population aged 14-49 is infected, about 500 million throughout the world.
Clinical Trials & Volunteer Studies
Clinical trials and studies are vital to the development of innovative treatments for cancer and other diseases. We have more than 300 treatment trials or volunteer studies currently open. Help advance groundbreaking treatments by enrolling today.
Patient Treatment & Support Resources
Prospective patients, families, and caregivers often need more information on cancer, treatment options, access to care, and support during treatment. We offer a range of resources to help.
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