Working to Integrate and Accelerate
Our clinical, research and administrative teams spent 2023 growing and aligning our operations to accelerate scientific advances into patient treatment options. Over the past year, we have worked to tighten the integration between scientific endeavors and clinical care and streamline our structure. This report documents those efforts and highlights the impact we have on patients in Seattle and beyond thanks to the dedication of our extraordinary workforce, donors, volunteers, partners and broader community.
Land Acknowledgment
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land that touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Duwamish, Puyallup, Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.
Scientific Developments
Fred Hutch research teams advanced our understanding of fundamental biology to inform potential treatments and vaccines for cancer, HIV and related diseases. Precision oncology, immune modification and the intersection of data, technology and science continue to be where we’re looking beyond what is possible today to transform the research and care landscape. In all, our researchers received more than $550 million in grant revenue and 84 patents.
Highlights of Discovery
From advancing the development of potential Epstein-Barr virus vaccines to launching a new center focused on accelerating transformative approaches to metastatic cancer, our scientists pushed human knowledge forward across a wide range of bioscience realms.
New Technique Could Expand Precision Medicine
Precise, tailored cancer diagnosis and treatment, known as precision oncology, is gaining steam. Finding DNA mutations or changes in how genes are regulated in patient tumor samples could expand thanks to an adaptation of a Fred Hutch-developed technique.
High-Sugar Diet Impairs Brain Cells
Recent work could help explain how diet influences risk of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Research demonstrated that high levels of insulin induced by excess dietary sugar causes dysfunction in a certain type of “housekeeping” brain cell that cleans up damaging cellular debris.
Melding Data Creates Wider Landscape of Brain Cancer
Brain cancer researchers have a new, panoramic visualization tool to help them navigate this complex disease. Built from several publicly available datasets of gene expression and DNA sequences, the new brain cancer landscape acts like a city-wide map of the disease, carefully assembled from neighborhood maps of different brain tumor subtypes.
Microbiome Sets the Stage for GVHD
Bone marrow transplants have saved the lives of thousands of blood cancer patients, but graft-vs.-host disease, or GVHD, remains a debilitating and even life-threatening complication. Fred Hutch research indicates patients’ gut microbiome may be a major factor in the development and severity of GVHD.
Promising HIV Vaccine Candidate Gets Help
A critical component of the human immune system, white blood cells called CD4 T lymphocytes or “helper T cells” are a primary target of HIV. Research published in May showed that helper T cells could play a crucial role in a bold and complex new strategy for making an effective HIV/AIDS vaccine.
Reducing Frequency of Immunotherapy Dosing Could Save Money and Time
Reducing how often patients receive immune checkpoint inhibitors can dramatically reduce medical costs while allowing patients to remain on lifesaving drugs, according to a study led by medical oncologist Lisa Tachiki, MD.
Clinical Advances
Across the organization, we’re advancing new approaches from the lab bench to the bedside to improve outcomes for our patients – and for people around the world. And our clinicians and clinical support teams continue to be recognized for the high-quality, compassionate care they provide each day.
Outstanding Care at the Heart of the Hutch
Patient service representative Shane Hoffmann was named the first recipient of Fred Hutch’s Service Excellence award, which recognizes employees who excel at putting patients first.
Clinicians Named in 2023 Top Doctors List
More than 90 Fred Hutch physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners were included in Seattle Met Magazine’s 2023 Top Doctors list.
Pinpointing Pain: Is it Cancer or Cancer Treatment?
Preventing and managing pain is a significant part of cancer treatment. Fred Hutch has been expanding its expertise and services to help patients address pain.
Second Fred Hutch Clinic Building Opens in Seattle
The new clinic building in South Lake Union opened in late March with new imaging suites, automated parking and a care model that puts patients at the center of everything.
New Projects Advance Health Equity Research
New grants support efforts to pinpoint novel prostate cancer biomarkers and create a clinical trials GUIDE program for patients to improve enrollment and inclusion.
A Cancer Progress Report
Fred Hutch’s Phil Greenberg, MD, president of the American Association for Cancer Research, delivered additional good news in AACR’s progress report: research has added years to patients’ lives.
Patient Care by the Numbers
130K+
155K+
18K+
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our progress on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) was supported by our steadfast and clear commitments and strategy, reflecting our values and recognizing the urgency of our mission. We are making steady progress — not by any one measure, but in the totality of our efforts to center inclusive excellence and our shared humanity as principles for workplace culture, scientific excellence and compassionate patient care.
2023 DEI Annual Progress Report
This report distinguishes itself from previous years with the sharing of brief stories and other data. We have organized this report to highlight our values, how we reflect and aspire to them, and our determination to share our truth. We anticipate that this snapshot and excerpts of our work will provide inspiration and insight.
3rd Annual DEI Summit Looks to the Future
In June, representatives met at the organization’s third annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit, Integrating Critical Change for Critical Cures. The 2023 meeting offered the opportunity for participants to take stock of past progress and gain inspiration for future progress, as the organization builds on the promise and potential offered by a fully integrated cancer center.
Public Art and Community Dialogue Program
The Public Art and Community Dialogue program provides an opportunity for artists, employees and the broader community to be in dialogue about community solidarity and the pursuit of equity in research and health care. In 2023, we engaged artists in conversations with LGBTQIA+ communities and the Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Fred Hutch to Open New Coordinating Center
A new study of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations is supported by a $38.7 million grant. Fred Hutch will act as coordinating center for this new population research of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases in overlooked populations.
How do We Increase Equity in Cancer Care?
For the last 10 years, the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR) has brought together patients, patient advocates, clinicians, policymakers, insurance execs and hospital administrators to find ways to improve cancer care. The 2023 Summit drew around 150 participants to discuss who’s being served and who’s not — and brainstorm ways to improve care for all.
New Video Series Delves into Racism in Cancer Care
Fred Hutch partnered with the Cierra Sisters, a Seattle-based patient advocacy group, to produce a series of short videos to acknowledge and address the racism many women of color experience while dealing with breast cancer.
Our Community
The trends in cancer incidence and mortality in Washington state haven’t changed in five years, and marginalized communities continue to suffer the most. In 2023, efforts to address these trends were accelerated by the expansion of our Cancer Consortium’s catchment area to include all of Washington state, including 39 counties, 7.7 million people and many more communities in need of cancer and disease prevention, screening and treatment.
Grants for Community-Driven Projects
The nine organizations funded this year through the Community Grants Program are working to ensure fair and just access to the medical care each community needs. Each received a small grant up to $15,000 to develop and implement an innovative project that addresses a significant health inequity within the communities they serve.
Tackling Cancer Inequities in Washington
The Pathways to Equity Symposium, held in May, included discussions about making patients feel safe at every touchpoint, starting with the person who greets them at the front desk. Also featured were ways to bolster Black, Brown, Indigenous and other medical students from marginalized communities so they don’t drop out, shoring up a pathway to professions in clinical research and health care.
First Lady Jill Biden visited Fred Hutch in September.
Thomas Lee was a caregiver for his wife through her pancreatic cancer treatments.
Cecilia Moens in her lab at Fred Hutch.
Drs. Melinda Biernacki, Fred Appelbaum and Thomas J. Lynch Jr. speak at the Legacy Gratitude Luncheon.
Artist Ari Campanella with their art during the PRIDE Mini Parade & PACD LGBTQIA+ Art unveiling.
Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr. speaks during the VIDD retreat.
Dr. Scott Furlan cleans paint off of pediatric cancer survivor Caden MacQuarrie.
Staff Scientist Megha Gupta, left, and Research Technician Logan Hargis work in the Vector Core Lab.
Our community engaged with Fred Hutch in many ways this year.
First Lady Jill Biden visited Fred Hutch in September.
Thomas Lee was a caregiver for his wife through her pancreatic cancer treatments.
Cecilia Moens in her lab at Fred Hutch.
Drs. Melinda Biernacki, Fred Appelbaum and Thomas J. Lynch Jr. speak at the Legacy Gratitude Luncheon.
Artist Ari Campanella with their art during the PRIDE Mini Parade & PACD LGBTQIA+ Art unveiling.
Dr. Thomas J. Lynch Jr. speaks during the VIDD retreat.
Dr. Scott Furlan cleans paint off of pediatric cancer survivor Caden MacQuarrie.
Staff Scientist Megha Gupta, left, and Research Technician Logan Hargis work in the Vector Core Lab.
Our community engaged with Fred Hutch in many ways this year.
Philanthropic Highlights
Each year, tens of thousands of individuals, families and organizations support Fred Hutch in diverse, powerful and inspiring ways. And 2023 was no exception. From donating online and including Fred Hutch in their estate plans to joining us at events and mobilizing their own networks and employers, supporters tapped their generosity and creativity to fuel the areas of our work that are most meaningful to them. This included accelerating advances in research and care, helping grow the programs that support our patient families during treatment and fostering new generations of innovators through education and training initiatives.
Thousands Celebrated Through Obliteride
Brilliant sunshine and big hearts came together in August, as more than 4,300 participants and volunteers gathered for Obliteride, Fred Hutch’s annual summer bike ride, 5K walk/run and fundraiser. Those celebrating in Seattle were joined by virtual participants around the world.
See the 2023 Obliteride Annual Report
Dedicated Supporters at the Heart of the Hutch
BOWL-A-NOMA, the bowling event and party created by Richard Hull in honor of his late son, Elliott, unites a dedicated community each May to raise funding and awareness for melanoma research.
Streaming for Fred Hutch
Thousands of content creators, gamers and culture makers joined the push to make life beyond cancer a reality over the past year. Their support helps our scientists to move faster, pursue new ideas and make breakthrough discoveries.
Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
An inaugural Translational Research Award from the V Foundation for Cancer Research is fueling an innovative clinical trial led by Sita Kugel, PhD. Her team is developing a tailored approach to treatment based on their recent discovery of a vulnerability in a specific subtype of pancreatic cancer.
Sustained Support for Innovative Science
Lung cancer expert McGarry Houghton, MD, was named the inaugural recipient of the Satya and Rao Remala Family Endowed Chair. The Remala family created this new chair to advance lung cancer research, early detection and the reduction of health disparities.
Brave Fellowship Advances Rare Cancer Research
Postdoctoral researcher Rosevalentine Bosire, PhD, became the fourth recipient of the Brave Fellowship. Funded by Brooks Running and the Brave Like Gabe Foundation, it honors Gabe Grunewald, a professional runner, by supporting early career scientists studying rare cancers who themselves have overcome barriers.
Read more about all of this year's endowed chair recipients.
Philanthropy by the Numbers FY23
A snapshot of support from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.
35,603
6,707
750+
Financial and Operational Update
We continue to strengthen our organizational foundation as we look ahead to our future discoveries.
Financial Summary
This financial data is for our fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023). All figures in thousands. Review our complete financial data and impact reporting.
Operating Revenues
Fiscal Year
Total: $2,345,151
Patient Services
$1,171,545 (50.0%)
Contracts and Government Grants
$557,748 (23.8%)
Gifts and Philanthropic Grants*
$515,296 (22.0%)
Investment Income
$39,976 (1.7%)
Other Income
$60,586 (2.5%)
Sources of
Philanthropic
Contributions
Gifts from Individuals
46%
Philanthropic Grants
27%
Planned Gifts
14%
Fundraising and Community Events
7%
Corporate Gifts
6%
Operating Expenses
Fiscal Year
Total: $1,975,745
Program Services, Clinical
$938,670 (47.5%)
Program Services and Research
$709,570 (35.9%)
Management and General
$301,894 (15.3%)
Fundraising
$25,611 (1.3%)
*Reflects funds expended, per GAAP standards.
Our People
Recognizing the people across our organization who helped us reach our goals this year and build toward the future.
Recognition
First Lady Jill Biden Visits Fred Hutch
First Lady Jill Biden visited Fred Hutch in late September, discussing the Biden Cancer Moonshot with Fred Hutch President and Director Thomas J. Lynch, Jr., MD, and other scientists, and touring the lab of Cyrus Ghajar, PhD, a translational researcher working on an ambitious initiative to prevent metastatic cancer, the only kind that’s not curable.
Dr. Fred Appelbaum Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
A key member of the team that developed bone marrow transplantation as a successful treatment for leukemia, Fred Appelbaum, MD, was honored in February with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy at the organization’s annual meeting.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Grant King Named a 2023 Damon Runyon Fellow
A Malik Lab postdoc, Grant King, PhD, will study how cells handle extra-chromosomal DNA
Dr. Cecilia Moens Elected Inaugural Member of the Society for Developmental Biology Academy
A developmental biologist, Cecilia Moens, PhD, studies nerve growth in the early brain.
Dr. Phil Greenberg Elected to National Academy of Sciences
A Fred Hutch expert in immunology, Phil Greenberg, MD, has led development of T-cell therapies for cancer.
Dr. Changkun Hu named Jane Coffin Childs – HHMI Fellow
Support will enable Changkun Hu, PhD, to better understand how kinetochore components assemble to create a working kinetochore.
Dr. Aaron Ring
Bioengineer Aaron Ring, MD, PhD, receives Anderson Family Endowed Chair for Immunotherapy
Dr. Roland Walter
Blood cancer expert Roland Walter, MD, PhD, is the recipient of the distinguished José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research
Dr. Mazyar Shadman
Blood cancer expert Mazyar Shadman, MD, MPH, is the recipient of the Innovators Network Endowed Chair
Dr. McGarry Houghton
Lung cancer expert McGarry Houghton, MD, receives Satya and Rao Remala Family Endowed Chair
Dr. Eric Holland
Brain cancer expert Eric Holland, MD, PhD, receives Endowed Chair in Cancer Biology
Dr. Peter Nelson
Prostate cancer expert Peter Nelson, MD, named Stuart and Molly Sloan Precision Oncology Institute Endowed Chair
Dr. Cyrus Ghajar
Breast cancer expert Cyrus Ghajar, PhD, receives Peter S. Lefkarites Memorial Endowed Chair
New Additions
Dr. Sara Hurvitz Joins Fred Hutch, University of Washington
Fred Hutch and the University of Washington Department of Medicine announced the hiring of Sara Hurvitz, MD, as the senior vice president of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch and head of the newly united Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington Department of Medicine.
Dr. Lawrence Fong to Lead Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center
Lawrence Fong, MD, a genitourinary oncologist and expert in immunotherapy for solid tumors, was hired as the scientific director of Fred Hutch’s Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center (IIRC). He will begin his new role in July 2024.
Fond Farewells
Fred Hutch Pioneer Dr. Beverly Torok-Storb Dies
Beverly Torok-Storb, PhD, who died in May, was a beloved mentor and bone marrow expert who created pathways for both blood cancer cures and marginalized students. The stem cell biologist's contributions to science and to education in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, were substantial and far-reaching.
HVTN’s Dr. Stephaun Wallace dies
Fred Hutch research epidemiologist and public health and social justice leader Stephaun Elite Wallace passed away in August. He was the Director of External Relations for Fred Hutch’s HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and had faculty appointments at Fred Hutch, the University of Washington and Yale as a staff scientist, clinical assistant professor and affiliate professor, respectively.
Dr. Mark Groudine Retires After Four Decades
Mark Groudine, MD, PhD, stepped back from a rich career at Fred Hutch to become professor emeritus. During his four decades, Groudine exemplified our breadth of scientific and clinical endeavors: While contributing fundamental discoveries about the interplay between DNA packaging, DNA’s 3D organization and gene expression, he also was a professor of radiation oncology at the University of Washington.
Every Dollar Counts
Support lifesaving discoveries today.
Content direction by David Patton. Layout and Design by Susan Edmonds. Text by Fred Hutch News staff. Photography and videography by Robert Hood, Stefan Muehleis, Connor O'Shaughnessy, Rachelle Pierce and Camila Matamala-Ost
Questions? Contact communications@fredhutch.org.