Cancer Vaccine Institute - University of Washington

Cancer Vaccine Institute - University of Washington The Cancer Vaccine Institute was previously known as the Tumor Vaccine Group (TVG). (Please do not share health information on this page.

The Cancer Vaccine Institute at the University of Washington is a multidisciplinary group of investigators focused on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer with novel, immune-based therapies. Involving scientists, doctors, nurses, and patients, our translational research works to bring the most innovative treatments from the bench to the bedside and to harmonize scientific study with patient care. We reserve the right to edit or delete comments.)

The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Foundation for the National Institute of Health have partnered to raise a...
04/17/2026

The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Foundation for the National Institute of Health have partnered to raise almost $200 million to fund cancer vaccine clinical trials. This push for funding includes mRNA-based approaches for patients at high risk for tumor recurrence.

In a recent article from The Lancet Oncology, Dr. Nora Disis, Director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI), called this initiative a promising start, but emphasized the importance of building sustainable infrastructure.

“My hope is that this initiative marks the beginning of sustained federal support to finally bring cancer vaccines into routine clinical care,” Dr. Disis said.

Read more here: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/a-new-initiative-to-fund-cancer-vaccine-clinical-trials-dr-disis-weighs-in

03/28/2026

Colon cancer diagnoses are rising, but so are we.

The Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) is advancing COLOVAC, a cancer vaccine designed to intercept colon cancer at its earliest stages. It targets proteins found at abnormally high levels in precancerous polyps and tumors, training the immune system to selectively recognize and destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue.

COLOVAC has potential for people with genetic risk, precancerous polyps, or those who have been treated to remission after a colon cancer diagnosis. After promising preclinical results in mouse models, we anticipate entering Phase I clinical trials within 2-3 years.

We cannot do this alone. Your support is integral to the process of our life-changing vaccine and research. Learn more and donate here to support our work: uwcvi.org/donate-now

“We’d really like to see the science of oncology more, again through that lens of what is really going to make the diffe...
03/26/2026

“We’d really like to see the science of oncology more, again through that lens of what is really going to make the difference for the patient in the next five years.”

In this episode of Healthcare Unfiltered, Dr. Nora Disis, CVI Director, Editor-In-Chief of JAMA Oncology, and Deputy Editor of JAMA, shares her vision for the future of medical publishing.

She reflects on launching JAMA Oncology, how impact factors can shape or distort the field, and the importance of finding high-quality peer reviewers. She also highlights the science that is going to revolutionize cancer care.

Thank you to Dr. Chadi Nabhan for hosting this thoughtful conversation. Read more and listen to this episode on our blog:

Our vision for COLOVAC is clear: intercept cancer before it starts. One day, this vaccine could help people who:Have hig...
03/25/2026

Our vision for COLOVAC is clear: intercept cancer before it starts. One day, this vaccine could help people who:

Have high risk for colon cancer because of genetic mutations, such as in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Have precancerous polyps found during colonoscopy
Have been treated to remission after a colon cancer diagnosis

We anticipate a Phase I clinical trial for COLOVAC to begin in 24-36 months. Prevention is within reach.

“Over the last decade, all these technologies have come together to allow us to get to the point now where we can move f...
03/24/2026

“Over the last decade, all these technologies have come together to allow us to get to the point now where we can move from the laboratory into the clinic with safe and effective vaccines that can really be tailor-made for almost any type of cancer,” Dr. Nora Disis, Director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI), said to KING 5 on March 20th.

KING 5 highlighted the CVI’s colon cancer vaccine, COLOVAC, and how it can target precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Seattle resident Becky Bruhn recently discovered that she had a cancerous colon polyp during a routine checkup, and encourages conversations about cancer screenings. We’re grateful to Becky and to all patients who share their experiences to help raise awareness and support progress in cancer prevention.

Read the KING 5 News feature here: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/king-5-highlights-cvi-s-progress-toward-colovac-a-colon-cancer-prevention-vaccine

Dr. Disis Headshot Credits: Lisa Stromme Warren

We are proud to share that Dr. Nora Disis, Director of the UW Cancer Vaccine Institute, and Dr. Kiran Dhillon, Executive...
03/19/2026

We are proud to share that Dr. Nora Disis, Director of the UW Cancer Vaccine Institute, and Dr. Kiran Dhillon, Executive Director, have been invited to join the 2026 XPRIZE Global Visioneering Brain Trust in the Health domain.

XPRIZE convenes world‑class innovators to tackle humanity’s greatest challenges through large‑scale competitions that drive real‑world impact. As members of the Health Brain Trust, Dr. Disis and Dr. Dhillon will collaborate with leaders across disciplines to help shape prize concepts that break barriers, accelerate innovation, and advance transformative health solutions.

Their participation aligns deeply with CVI’s mission to accelerate next‑generation cancer vaccines and translate frontier science into meaningful human impact.

We are excited to contribute to this global effort and to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer prevention and treatment.

COLOVAC has shown promising results for preventing and intercepting colon cancer in mice.In two different mouse models o...
03/17/2026

COLOVAC has shown promising results for preventing and intercepting colon cancer in mice.

In two different mouse models of colon cancer, COLOVAC reduced the number of intestinal and colon polyps, compared to control mice.

Our next steps are to test the COLOVAC DNA vaccine in mice further for efficacy and safety, and submit an Investigational New Drug Application to FDA before we conduct a Phase I clinical trial in patients.

Read more in our blog: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/colon-cancer-demands-action-colovac-could-be-the-answer

Dr. Natasha (Tasha) Hunter, CVI Director of Clinical Trials, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Athena Endow...
03/17/2026

Dr. Natasha (Tasha) Hunter, CVI Director of Clinical Trials, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Athena Endowed Award for Excellence in Breast Cancer Research. The Athena Award was established to recognize an early career researcher making the greatest contribution during the past year toward advancing research to improve the prevention, detection, diagnosis and/or treatment of breast cancer.

Read more about Dr. Hunter here: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/dr-natasha-hunter-named-2026-athena-endowed-award-recipient



PC: Fred Hutch

03/13/2026

COLOVAC is the future of colon cancer prevention.

COLOVAC is designed to target specific proteins that appear at abnormally high levels in precancerous polyps and colorectal tumors. The vaccine trains the immune system to recognize these proteins and create a cancer-killing response. Because the immune response is specific to cancer, the patient’s non-cancer cells are protected, making this vaccine a safe and non-toxic way of killing cancer.

By targeting proteins in cancer and precancerous lesions, we hope to stop cancer at its earliest stages, long before it becomes life-threatening. It is prevention rooted in precision.

03/11/2026

Cancer vaccines are no longer a distant dream. They’re becoming a reality - and the Cancer Vaccine Institute is proud to help lead that conversation.

Dr. Kiran Dhillon, Cancer Vaccine Institute (CVI) Executive Director, co‑authored a new JAMA Oncology Viewpoint with Dr. Lennard Lee of the University of Oxford, outlining why the time for cancer vaccines is now, and what it will take to ensure patients benefit from this progress.

At the CVI, we’re proud to drive cancer vaccine research and innovation. Encouraging clinical trial results, combined with the rise of cutting-edge technologies, make cancer vaccines within reach.

Patients are calling for action now - and we’re ready to answer.

Read the full article here: https://www.uwcvi.org/post/dr-kiran-dhillon-highlights-cancer-vaccine-urgency-in-jama-oncology-viewpoint

Imagine a vaccine that can stop colon cancer before it starts.That’s the vision behind COLOVAC, our colon cancer vaccine...
03/10/2026

Imagine a vaccine that can stop colon cancer before it starts.

That’s the vision behind COLOVAC, our colon cancer vaccine in development. It teaches the immune system to recognize the earliest signs of colon cancer and eliminate those cells before they have a chance to grow. COLOVAC represents a shift from reacting to cancer to intercepting it.

We’re excited to share more about how it works and who it could help. Follow along to learn more about COLOVAC.

Some people face a higher risk of colorectal cancer because of inherited genetic mutations, such as those seen in Famili...
03/07/2026

Some people face a higher risk of colorectal cancer because of inherited genetic mutations, such as those seen in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and Lynch Syndrome. These individuals have a significantly increased likelihood of developing cancer, often at younger ages.

Understanding these risks is essential. Awareness helps families recognize patterns, ask informed questions, and engage with their healthcare teams in ways that support early detection and prevention.

When colorectal cancer is found early, survival rates are high, around 90%, underscoring the power of catching disease before it advances.

At the Cancer Vaccine Institute, we’re working toward a future where risk doesn’t have to become reality by developing vaccines designed to intercept cancer at its earliest stages or prevent it altogether.

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Seattle, WA

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Tuesday 7am - 3:30pm
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Thursday 7am - 3:30pm
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