[4 min read]
In this article:
- Providence Swedish researchers have been awarded grants that will significantly advance our understanding of lung, ovarian and breast cancer.
- The Imagination Grants were given by the Kuni Foundation, which supports cancer research and the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- The awards will allow researchers to tackle some the most urgent and difficult questions in cancer, with the goal of improving outcomes for patients.
Providence Swedish Cancer Institute has received three Imagination Grants from the Kuni Foundation to support a diverse lineup of research projects aimed at improving cancer detection, treatment, and prevention in the community.
The funded projects include exploring the underlying causes of lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked, investigating why certain breast cancers become resistant to treatments, and enhancing outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.
The Kuni Foundation, based in Vancouver, Washington, accelerates the power of human potential, investing in scientists who propel disruptive, transformative approaches to cancer research in service of detection, treatment, and a cure. The foundation supports the exploration of bold ideas that translate into breakthrough treatments, improved outcomes for underserved communities, and affordable therapeutic approaches.
Kuni’s funding empowers scientists to make lifesaving discoveries while prioritizing underfunded research areas and working to ensure underserved communities have access to clinical trials.
“The Kuni Foundation is honored to support these three innovative projects and is grateful for the opportunity to help advance the vital work of Providence Swedish Cancer Institute,” says Kuni Foundation president Angela Hult.
Three breakthrough projects in cancer
The Kuni Foundation's principal investigator awardees from Swedish include Sid Devarakonda, M.D.; Charles Drescher, M.D.; and Hank Kaplan, M.D.. The grants will support vital work to improve our undertanding of why cancer occurs, who it affects and how we can improve treatment.
Sid Devarakonda, M.D. - Lung cancer research
Dr. Devarakonda’s research is dedicated to understanding causes of lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked, a condition that disproportionately affects women of Asian descent. This important work aims to identify the mutational drivers of these cancers so we can target therapies to treat them.
Charles Drescher, M.D. - Ovarian cancer research
Dr. Drescher is working on improving treatments for patients with a tough-to-treat — and the most common — type of ovarian cancer called high-grade serous ovarian cancer. On average, only about half of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer survive for five years. Dr. Drescher’s research tests how well a method called proteomics can predict how patients will respond to treatments and how to customize treatments for each person.
Hank Kaplan, M.D. - Breast cancer research
Dr. Kaplan, who recently retired from seeing patients, will use the grant to continue his research on how breast cancer spreads and becomes resistant to treatment. This involves studying changes in DNA to understand the ways breast cancer evolves and evades therapies.
Research at Providence Swedish Cancer Institute
At the heart of Swedish’s mission is a commitment to improving the health and well-being of every person we serve. Providence Swedish Cancer Institute is proud to be involved in hundreds of clinical trials at any given time, making it one of the leading trial sites in the western United States and providing our patients access to the latest advances in treatment.
Our recent opening of the Paul G. Allen Research Center has significantly expanded our capacity to perform both translational and clinical research — including for our three Kuni Foundation awardees. This state-of-the-art facility has made it possible to advance their groundbreaking work, each aimed at enhancing cancer care.
As part of the Providence health system, our investigators benefit from access to the world’s largest electronic medical records database. This unique resource allows us to examine real-world outcomes across diverse populations, providing data crucial to optimizing existing treatments, identifying the patients and cancers in need of new treatment options, and finding new targets to meet their needs.
Cancer research remains paramount to our mission, driving us to continually seek better outcomes and brighter futures for our patients. The partnership with the Kuni Foundation enables us to do just that.
“Providence Swedish Cancer Institute is grateful to the Kuni Foundation for their visionary approach to advancing cancer research in our region. With these Imagination Grants, our researchers will tackle some the most urgent and difficult questions in cancer, with the goal of improving outcomes for patients,” says Ashwani Rajput, M.D., FACS, regional executive medical director of Providence Cancer Swedish Institute.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
At the Providence Swedish Cancer Institute, we know that no two cancers are alike. That’s why we focus on you — not your disease. If you need cancer care or are looking for testing to determine your cancer risk, we can help.
You can also learn more about available clinical trials. Our physician investigators and researchers are involved in hundreds of ongoing trials involving most types of cancer.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
About the Swedish Foundation
Your generous gift helps support a healthy tomorrow for everyone in every community we serve. Learn about more ways to give to the Swedish Foundation or make a direct donation online at swedishfoundation.org. You can also contact the Foundation at 206-368-2738 or email foundation@swedish.org. Thank you for helping us shape the future of healthcare. We can’t do it without you.
Related resources
The future of cancer care is in your genes
Did you know that colon cancer is on the rise among younger adults? Screening is key to prevention.
Research at Swedish is saving lives. Your support will help it continue.
Five years after a multiple myeloma diagnosis, this Swedish patient is living her best lifeThis information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
About the Author
More Content by Swedish Cancer Team
