At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we surround you with experts who focus completely on cancer care. A handful of people make up the core of your care team, based on the types of treatment you need. For many people with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the core team includes a hematologist-oncologist, advanced practice provider and registered nurse who all specialize in leukemia care.
Others join your team based on your personal needs. We have specialists based at Fred Hutch who understand the issues that matter for people with leukemia, whether it’s helping manage treatment side effects, supporting your recovery or providing supportive care. You may see Fred Hutch registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers and others. They all work together — and with you — to make sure you get the care you need.
What Each Team Member Does
Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
These health care professionals work closely with your medical oncologist in the clinic. There are two types: physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). They help provide and coordinate your treatment and can see you independently from your physician. They also help manage the effects of your disease and treatment.
Hematologist-Oncologist
This physician manages your medicine-based treatments. Most people with ALL begin treatment by getting intense chemotherapy. Some people get targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Your hematologist-oncologist will:
- See you during your first visit. They will give you an exam and order any tests you need to diagnose or classify your disease.
- Explain what your diagnosis and classification mean and answer your questions.
- Recommend medicines, doses, schedule and sequence to match your exact needs. They will also talk with you about the benefits and risks.
- See you on a regular schedule to check how your cancer responds to treatment and how you are overall.
- Offer you ways to prevent, relieve and cope with side effects of treatment, like medicine to help with nausea.
- Work with the rest of your care team if you need other types of treatment.
Infusion Nurse
You receive any infusions in a dedicated area of the clinic. Cancer nurses who specialize in infusions give these treatments. They also check you during each infusion. They respond to any medical issues that come up and help keep you comfortable.
Patient Care Coordinator
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They serve as your scheduler.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Your nurse manages your care alongside your physician. They also assist with procedures and treatments. Nurses are resources for you and your caregiver. They answer questions and help with a wide range of topics, like how to cope with side effects or get other services you need at Fred Hutch.
Supportive Care Services
Many types of supportive care team members are here to help you and your family. They include registration dietitians, physical therapists, pain medicine specialists, psychologists, social workers, spiritual health staff, palliative care specialists, naturopaths and acupuncturists.
Learn more about supportive care services.
Transplant Team
If you need a blood or marrow transplant, you will have a specialized team from the Fred Hutch Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. Your team includes a transplant oncologist, advanced practice provider, transplant nurse, pharmacist, dietitian, team coordinator and social worker. This team will:
- Give you an exam (and your donor, if you need one).
- Decide on a transplant approach to match your case.
- Prepare you and your caregiver.
- Do your transplant.
- Provide care as you recover.
Learn more about your Blood and Marrow Transplant Team.