Attacking cancer at its foundation
As one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has many innovative programs that underpin its reputation for groundbreaking advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
For example, we are home to the world's largest cancer-prevention program — a model for other such programs worldwide. Our clinical research group pioneered the bone-marrow transplant — a Nobel Prize-winning accomplishment — and has expanded upon this work to launch a promising new field based on harnessing the immune system to fight cancer. We lead national and international efforts to develop powerful blood tests for early cancer diagnosis. And, we are leaders in research to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors, work that will benefit from a recent gift from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
It is easy for most individuals to appreciate how investment in these research areas is critical to our mission to eliminate cancer. But at the Hutchinson Center, our experience has shown that the most innovative advances in biomedical research can also emerge from areas with seemingly few direct connections to cancer or other diseases. For example, in our Fundamental Research Initiative, studies on how yeast cells divide laid the groundwork for tests to predict breast-cancer aggressiveness, which may help doctors provide the most effective treatment. Another Center study on the biology of frog eggs has led to a test to improve diagnosis of the autoimmune disease lupus.
We believe so strongly in the potential of basic research that we have built an unparalleled research environment that has attracted more than 50 of the world's best and brightest fundamental-research scientists, who are investigating the most basic properties of cells and organisms from fruit flies to zebrafish. You will read about one of our newest scientists, Dr. Toshi Taniguchi, whose research on how cells repair damage to DNA is yielding insight into Fanconi anemia, a deadly childhood disease that dramatically increases cancer risk. Another of our fundamental-research investigators, Dr. Linda Buck, is the Center's most recent Nobel Prize recipient, having earned the distinction in 2004 for her groundbreaking work on how the brain perceives smell.
The rich diversity of our basic research is among the Hutchinson Center's most exciting and unique attributes, and is without a doubt a key reason for our success. Creative work of this kind depends heavily on your financial support, which provides the flexibility to launch promising research projects with potentially lifesaving applications. With your gifts, we will continue to bring hope, health and knowledge to the world in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Lee Hartwell
President and Director
1100 Fairview Ave. N. PO Box 19024 Seattle, WA 98109
©2009 Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, a nonprofit organization.
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