"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Andrew J. Cowan, MD

Provider

Andrew J. Cowan, MD

Clinical Director, Myeloma Service, Fred Hutch
Research Associate, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Associate Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Hematology

Hematology-Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“The foundation of a cancer success story is teamwork.”

— Dr. Cowan

Why did you become a physician?

When my mother was in her twenties, she was diagnosed with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma. It was a harrowing time for her, but she was cured through a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, and her success story inspired me to pursue medicine, eventually specializing in oncology. One of the great things about following this path is the mentors you meet along the way. During my fellowship at the Boston University Amyloidosis Center, I worked with some excellent oncologists whose clinical expertise, kindness toward their patients and passion for research continue to inspire me to this day.

What’s it like to work with you?

The physician-patient relationship is all about teamwork. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that incorporates the most recent scientific advances and reflects your priorities. I see my role as that of teacher, coach and advisor — answering your questions, helping you think through the options and providing recommendations so that you can make sound decisions. I also think it’s important to discuss clinical trials when appropriate; depending on your diagnosis and health, trials are sometimes the best option for treatment, and they are also a vital part of advancing cancer care for future generations.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Adult blood and marrow transplantation, hematologic malignancies

Plasma Cell Disorders
I am a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in treating multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. In addition to caring for patients at Fred Hutch, I am an active clinical researcher, helping to conduct studies investigating therapies for multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. I am also a member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s Scientific Review Committee, where I examine the feasibility and merit of research protocols. Teaching has always been an important part of my career; as a UW associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, I enjoy teaching medical students and fellows about hematologic malignancies.

Amyloidosis
Following my residency, I worked at the Amyloidosis Center, an internationally recognized leader in the treatment and research of amyloidosis and related diseases. As part of a multidisciplinary patient care team, I also conducted clinical research in gastrointestinal amyloidosis and the impact of bone marrow amyloid deposits on stem cell transplantation.

Diseases Treated

Castleman Disease

Monoclonal Gammopathy

Multiple Myeloma

Plasma Cell Leukemia

POEMS Syndrome

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of Washington

Medical Degree
University of Washington School of Medicine

Residency
Boston Medical Center, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Hematology-Oncology; Boston University Amyloidosis Center, Amyloidosis

Board Certification
Internal Medicine; Hematology; Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine

Stories

All news

‘What are the odds?’

‘What are the odds?’ Light chain amyloidosis patient participates in clinical trial that ends up helping her sister-in-law March 29, 2024

The latest strategies for managing newly diagnosed transplant-eligible patients with multiple myeloma

The latest strategies for managing newly diagnosed transplant-eligible patients with multiple myeloma April 27, 2022

SCCA, Fred Hutch, and University of Washington Medicine take the spotlight at the American Society of Hematology’s 63rd annual meeting

SCCA, Fred Hutch, and University of Washington Medicine take the spotlight at the American Society of Hematology’s 63rd annual meeting March 8, 2022

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

View Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Cowan

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other physicians and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch physician has written.

View Dr. Cowan's Publications

Your Care Team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dieticians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

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Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.

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