"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Lia M. Halasz, MD

Provider

Lia M. Halasz, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine
Gerlich Family Endowed Chair in Neuro-oncology, UW Medicine

Specialty:

Radiation Oncology

Proton Therapy
Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake

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“To me, being a physician means not only treating the disease, but supporting my patients’ strength, hope and recovery.”

— Dr. Moriguchi Halasz

Why do you work with patients who have brain and spinal cord tumors?

Ever since my residency, I’ve been drawn to the field of neuro-oncology. Brain tumors greatly affect patients in terms of the symptoms they experience. These tumors can hinder a person’s ability to think, speak and take care of themselves. I’ve always found it very meaningful to work with patients and families during this difficult time, helping them make decisions and witnessing the strength that they bring. There are also moments of joy in my profession, when patients who were initially given a prognosis of just a few months go on to do very well because of new drug therapies. Years later, when they see me for follow-up appointments, they’re still living their lives — going hiking or enjoying their grandchildren. Nothing can compare to those happy times.

What is your approach to care?

Nobody has ever been you with your particular tumor. You are unique, as is the way cancer affects your body and your life. I enjoy working together with you and your family to create a treatment plan that maximizes your ability to beat cancer while also carefully considering your life after treatment as a survivor. While things may not return to “normal” after a cancer diagnosis, many of my patients go on to live full lives; they are able to resume the activities they enjoy and that give their lives purpose and meaning. To me, being a physician means not only treating the disease, but supporting my patients’ strength, hope and recovery.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Brain and spinal cord cancers

I am a board-certified radiation oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with brain and spinal cord tumors. My expertise spans several radiation modalities, including proton therapy. I provide care at our proton therapy facility, UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center. I also serve as the co-director of the Alvord Brain Tumor Center at UW Medical Center.

In addition to working with patients, I study the clinical outcomes of people with brain tumors who have received radiation therapy. My goal is to improve the delivery of care and patients’ overall quality of life. Another area of interest is conducting clinical trials for patients with gliomas, a type of tumor that occurs in the brain.

Diseases Treated

Brain and Spinal Cord Cancers

Head and Neck Cancers

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Harvard College

Medical Degree
Harvard Medical School

Residency
Harvard University, Radiation Oncology

Fellowship
Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Board Certification
Radiation Oncology, 2012, American Board of Radiology

Awards

Seattle Met's 2022 Top Doctors Award
Dr. Moriguchi Halasz has received this peer-nominated award for her exceptional patient care multiple years.

Stories

All news

Proton therapy — and a pet cat — help young animal lover through chondrosarcoma treatment

Proton therapy — and a pet cat — help young animal lover through chondrosarcoma treatment Young patient with rare cancer wants to help others deal with cancer treatment and other life challenges January 26, 2024

Experts weigh in on brain tumors; We profile brain tumor expert Dr. Lia Halasz; Nutrition guidelines based on your tumor and treatment. May 2, 2023

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.

Find a Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Halasz

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. Halasz'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 dietitians, 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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