Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

The center's South Lake Union campus as seen from the

The center's steam plant building

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (FHCC), formerly known as Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is a world-renowned cancer research and treatment center located in Seattle, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1975 and named after Fred Hutchinson, a former Major League Baseball player and manager who died of lung cancer. The center is dedicated to eliminating cancer and related diseases as causes of human suffering and death through research, education, and health care.

History

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has its origins in the early 1970s when Dr. William Hutchinson, a prominent surgeon, sought to honor his brother Fred's memory through the establishment of a comprehensive center for cancer research and patient care. The center has since grown into one of the leading cancer research institutions in the world, with significant contributions to the fields of bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy, and cancer prevention.

Research and Treatment

FHCC is at the forefront of cancer research, offering innovative treatments and conducting groundbreaking studies that aim to improve patient outcomes. The center is divided into several research divisions, including the Clinical Research Division, Basic Sciences Division, Public Health Sciences Division, and the Human Biology Division. These divisions work collaboratively to translate scientific discoveries into effective treatments.

The center is also known for its pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation, led by Dr. E. Donnall Thomas, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1990 for his contributions to the field. This work has laid the foundation for the development of stem cell transplantation as a treatment for various types of cancer and other diseases.

Education and Training

In addition to its research and treatment programs, FHCC is committed to educating the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals. The center offers a range of educational programs, including fellowships, internships, and postdoctoral positions, designed to provide hands-on experience in cancer research and patient care.

Facilities

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center campus is located in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle. It features state-of-the-art laboratories, clinical facilities, and support services designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The center also operates several satellite locations throughout the region to provide patients with access to care closer to home.

Collaborations and Affiliations

FHCC collaborates with a number of local, national, and international institutions to advance cancer research and treatment. Notably, it is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a consortium of leading cancer centers committed to improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of cancer care.

The center also maintains a strategic partnership with the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, known as the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). This collaboration enables patients to access a comprehensive range of cancer treatment options and support services.

Conclusion

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center continues to be a leader in the fight against cancer, through its commitment to research, education, and patient care. Its contributions to the understanding and treatment of cancer have had a profound impact on the lives of patients around the world.