Fred Hutch Announces major Fundraising Event & Community Health Grants

SEATTLE, WA – Fred Hutchinson cancer Center is gearing up for its 13th annual Obliteride event on August 9th, aiming to surpass 5,000 participants in support of groundbreaking cancer research.The event, which includes options for riders, runners, adn walkers, has already raised over $58 million since its inception in 2013, directly fueling advancements in cancer prevention and treatment.

Together, Fred Hutch has announced the recipients of its 2025 Community Grants Program, awarding up to $15,000 each to ten Washington state health organizations. These grants, provided through the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (OCOE), will bolster public health initiatives focused on underserved populations throughout the state. This year’s program saw a 25% increase in applications, highlighting a growing need and increased engagement with the program.

Obliteride: A Community United Against Cancer

Obliteride isn’t just a fundraising event; it’s a powerful demonstration of community solidarity in the fight against cancer. Participants commit to raising funds through pledges and sponsorships,directly impacting the research conducted at Fred Hutch. the center’s work spans a wide range of cancer types and includes pioneering research in immunotherapy and bone marrow transplantation.

Investing in Equitable Healthcare Access

The Community Grants Program underscores Fred Hutch’s commitment to addressing health disparities. By supporting local organizations, the program aims to improve access to vital healthcare services for communities facing systemic barriers. The surge in grant applications reflects a heightened awareness of these disparities and a collaborative effort to find solutions.

Fred Hutch: A Legacy of Innovation

Fred Hutch Cancer Center stands as a leading force in cancer research and treatment, recognized globally for its contributions to advancements in the field. As the only national Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington state, Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites and serves as UW Medicine’s cancer program, offering comprehensive care and cutting-edge therapies. Its research extends beyond cancer, encompassing infectious diseases and playing a crucial role in the development of HIV/AIDS prevention strategies and COVID-19 vaccines.

Looking Ahead

These initiatives highlight Fred Hutch’s dual focus: pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and ensuring that the benefits of that discovery reach all communities. The center continues to operate as an self-reliant, nonprofit institution dedicated to preventing, treating, and ultimately curing cancer and infectious diseases worldwide.Media contact: Kat Wynn, [email protected] (for Obliteride & Community Grants)
Media Contact: [email protected] (for Science Spotlight)

What is the current role of autoantibodies in cancer screening compared to traditional methods like mammography and colonoscopy?

Autoantibodies, Cancer Screening & Waist Circumference: Updates & a New Trial

The Emerging Role of Autoantibodies in Early Cancer Detection

For years, cancer screening has relied heavily on methods like mammography, colonoscopy, and PSA testing. However, these aren’t perfect. Thay can have false positives,false negatives,and often detect cancer after it’s already established. A growing body of research suggests autoantibodies – antibodies produced by the immune system that mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues – could offer a revolutionary new approach to early cancer detection.

This isn’t a new concept, but advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment are driving significant progress. Cancer cells often express unique proteins, or neoantigens, that trigger an immune response, leading to the production of these specific autoantibodies. detecting these cancer-associated autoantibodies (CAAs) years before traditional methods can identify a tumor is the ultimate goal.

understanding Cancer-Associated Autoantibodies (CAAs)

Specificity: CAAs aren’t present in everyone. Their presence often correlates wiht specific cancer types, making them possibly valuable biomarkers.

Early Detection Potential: Research indicates CAAs can appear years before clinical symptoms or detectable tumors. This “lead time” is crucial for effective intervention.

Non-Invasive Testing: CAA detection typically involves a simple blood test, making it less invasive and potentially more accessible than many current screening methods.

Multiplexing: Modern assays can detect multiple CAAs simultaneously, increasing the accuracy and broadening the scope of cancer screening. This is often referred to as autoantibody profiling.

Waist Circumference as a Cancer Risk Indicator: Beyond Obesity

While obesity is a well-established risk factor for several cancers, the importance of waist circumference extends beyond simply being overweight.Increased abdominal fat, even in individuals with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), is linked to chronic inflammation and altered hormone levels – both of which contribute to cancer progress.

This connection is particularly strong for:

Endometrial Cancer: Excess abdominal fat increases estrogen production, a key driver of this cancer.

Colorectal Cancer: Inflammation associated with abdominal obesity promotes tumor growth.

Breast Cancer (Postmenopausal): Similar to endometrial cancer, estrogen levels play a role.

Kidney Cancer: Adipose tissue releases factors that can contribute to kidney cancer development.

Measuring abdominal obesity via waist circumference is a simple, cost-effective tool that can help identify individuals at higher risk and potentially benefit from more frequent or specialized cancer risk assessment. It’s a valuable addition to standard preventative care.

The ARCHYDE-001 Trial: A Novel Approach to Multi-Cancer Early Detection

ARCHYDE is currently conducting the ARCHYDE-001 trial, a prospective study investigating the combined utility of CAA detection and waist circumference measurement for multi-cancer early detection. This trial aims to determine if a combined approach can improve the accuracy and efficiency of cancer screening compared to current standards.

Trial Design & Key features:

1. Participant Cohort: 10,000 individuals aged 50-75 with no prior cancer diagnosis.
2. Data Collection:

Annual blood samples for CAA profiling (targeting ovarian, pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers initially).

Waist circumference measurement performed by trained healthcare professionals.

Standard-of-care cancer screening (mammography, colonoscopy, PSA testing as appropriate).

CLIA-Certified Assays: More labs are now offering Clinical Laboratory Betterment Amendments (CLIA)-certified CAA assays, increasing accessibility for clinical use.

Improved Sensitivity & Specificity: New technologies, such as mass spectrometry and protein arrays, are enhancing the ability to detect low-abundance CAAs with greater accuracy.

Liquid Biopsy Integration: Combining CAA detection with other liquid biopsy markers (circulating tumor DNA, exosomes) is showing promise for even more complete cancer screening.

AI-Powered Analysis: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are being used to analyze complex CAA profiles and predict cancer risk with greater precision. This includes identifying biomarker signatures unique to different cancer subtypes.

Improved Treatment Outcomes: Cancers detected at earlier stages are generally more treatable and have higher survival rates.

* Less Invasive Treatments: Early-stage cancers often require less aggressive treatments, minimizing