At Fred Hutchinson 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. You will have a hematologist-oncologist and a registered nurse who are experienced in caring for people with multiple myeloma. At some visits, you might see an advanced practice provider. Most patients get part of their treatment from infusion nurses. A patient care coordinator will schedule your visits.
Others join your team based on your personal needs. If you need radiation therapy or a blood or marrow transplant, we have experts in these treatments. If you get a new health issue that might affect your cancer treatment, we call in the right experts. For example, if you have skin, heart or digestive problems, we might call in a dermatologist, cardiologist or gastroenterologist. We have specialists based at Fred Hutch who know how to handle the issues that matter for people with cancer.
Supportive care providers are also here to help. You may see Fred Hutch registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers and others. All of us specialize in caring for people during and after cancer.
These health care professionals work closely with your hematologist-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.
This physician manages your medicine-based treatments, including chemotherapy. Some people get targeted therapy or immunotherapy. If watchful waiting is right for you, you will see this physician on a regular schedule to check your health and to start treatment, if you need it.
Your hematologist-oncologist will:
Infusion nurses are registered nurses (RN) who specialize in giving patients intravenous (IV) medications and therapies, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and antibiotic infusions. They also check on patients during infusions, help keep patients comfortable and can respond to any issues that may come up.
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They will schedule your appointments.
This physician treats cancer with radiation. They prescribe and manage this part of your care if you need it. Working with a radiation oncology team, they plan and deliver your treatments.
Your radiation oncologist will:
This specialist sees you when you come in for radiation treatment. They explain your treatment, check your health, answer your questions and help you with side effects.
This specialist positions you each time you come in for radiation treatment. They make sure that your treatment goes to the right places on your body. They also operate the machines that deliver the radiation.
This physician reads your imaging tests and decides what they mean. They also do some types of biopsies.
Your radiologist will:
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.
Many types of supportive care team members are here to help you and your family. They include registered dietitians, physical therapists, pain medicine specialists, psychologists, social workers, spiritual health staff, palliative care specialists, naturopaths and acupuncturists.
Learn more about Supportive Care Services
If you need a blood and 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:
Learn more about your Blood and Marrow Transplant Team