"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Roland B. Walter, MD, PhD, MS

Provider

Roland B. Walter, MD, PhD, MS

Physician, Fred Hutch
Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, Fred Hutch
Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Hematology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“My goal is to collaborate with you to establish a treatment path that is geared toward your personal values and needs.”

— Dr. Walter

Why do you work with patients who have leukemia?

I studied medicine in Switzerland. While there are many differences between the U.S. and Swiss medical systems, there’s one thing that’s the same: the personality of patients with acute leukemia. I continue to be impressed with their strength, courage and spirit. They face difficult treatments and onerous side effects with grace and gratitude. Aside from the patients themselves, I enjoy the complex, interdisciplinary nature of treating people with this disease. There are all these different aspects of medicine that come together, and I think that’s unique.

What is your approach to care and treatment?

A successful patient-physician partnership is based on transparency. With that in mind, I see it as my role to clearly explain the nuances of your disease and share what the science has to say about treatment, including both conventional and experimental options. With that as our basis, we will develop a treatment plan that best matches your life values and goals. For many of the treatment decisions, there is no absolute right or wrong; I want you to feel empowered to make decisions that fit your beliefs and wishes.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Adult blood and marrow transplantation

Acute myeloid leukemia

I am a board-certified hematologist who specializes in treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). My research focuses on developing novel antibody-based therapies for AML. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that attack invaders like viruses. I’m studying how to direct antibodies to identify and kill AML cells. Some of the antibodies in development work by engaging a patient’s own immune cells. My colleagues and I create new therapeutics for AML in partnership with other investigators at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and industry partners. These collaborations have led to the development of five new drugs that have subsequently been brought forward to the clinic for testing in people with AML.

Diseases Treated

Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Languages

English
German

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Hohe Promenade, Zurich

Medical Degree
University of Zurich, Switzerland

Residency
University Hospital of Zurich, Internal Medicine; Raetisches Kantons-und Regionalspital, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Hematology

Board Certification
Internal Medicine, 2016; Hematology, 2017, American Board of Internal Medicine

Other
PhD, University of Washington; MS, University of Washington

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar in Clinical Research Award
Dr. Walter received the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Scholar in Clinical Research Award, which supports original investigation into the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation "A" Award
The “A” Award provides funding for scientists who want to establish a career in pediatric oncology research.

Stories

All news

Blood cancer experts Drs. Roland Walter and Mazyar Shadman receive endowed chairs

Blood cancer experts Drs. Roland Walter and Mazyar Shadman receive endowed chairs Chairs recognize innovation and contributions to blood cancer research July 12, 2023

Eight Fred Hutch teams win Evergreen Fund awards

Eight Fred Hutch teams win Evergreen Fund awards Research projects with commercial partnership potential receive grants of up to $200K December 13, 2022

$3.5M grant to develop safer treatment for inherited blood disorders

$3.5M grant to develop safer treatment for inherited blood disorders Scientists will study radioactive particles that can precisely deliver a potent punch May 21, 2020

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. Walter

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. Walter'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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