Fred Hutch proton therapy facility welcomes two new physicians

The Fred Hutch proton therapy care team is excited to welcome two new radiation oncologists: Dr. Maryam Ebadi and Dr. Elaine Cha.

Both will treat patients and conduct research at Fred Hutch; they are especially interested in translating cancer research outcomes into clinical applications, which ensures Fred Hutch patients get the latest, safest and most innovative treatments available. 

Bench-to-bedside approach to cancer treatment

Maryam Ebadi, MD, studied medicine in her native Iran before coming to the U.S. to pursue a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Washington. She became interested in oncology very early, focusing on it during medical school in Tehran. 

Ebadi received funding to study the effect of the body’s microbiome on the efficacy or toxicity of FLASH radiotherapy — a modality that destroys tumors while preserving healthy tissue through extremely fast delivery of radiation — and other treatment modalities at Fred Hutch.

She is investigating craniospinal irradiation in patients with leptomeningeal metastases (metastatic cancer that is in the cerebral spinal fluid) and is also studying hematologic malignancies, including stem cell transplantation. She was awarded the Early Career Oncologist Award from the American Radium Society for her translational work — research that takes basic science findings such as molecular mechanisms of radiation response and adapts them for clinical use — in stem cell transplantation.

“It brings me satisfaction to study cancer and know that through clinical trials and translational research, we can change things for the better,” she said.

Elaine Cha, MD, joined Fred Hutch from MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. She will be treating patients with genitourinary cancer, such as bladder and prostate cancers.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to work alongside leaders in the field of radiotherapy at Fred Hutch,” she said.

Cha studies ways to bridge the gap between research and everyday clinical practice, ensuring that the advances and innovations made through clinical trials translate into meaningful improvements in patient care.

“I’m looking forward to getting involved in several ongoing trials at Fred Hutch and continuously improving on standards of care through research,” she said

Providing patient care at the proton therapy facility

In addition to treating patients with leptomeningeal disease, Ebadi also treats patients with hematologic malignancies such as Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma at the proton therapy facility.

“I enjoy taking care of people and appreciate knowing I’m having a positive impact on their lives,” she said. “Proton therapy is a wonderful modality that allows us to deliver radiation precisely to tumors while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and reducing the risk of side effects when appropriately indicated.”

Cha was drawn to radiation oncology because of the intersection of physics, medicine and creativity and leaned into it when she realized how gratifying it was to help patients understand their treatment options, demystifying the process and providing reassurance during such a difficult time.

“One of my favorite aspects of radiation oncology is that no two patients or treatment plans are alike,” she said. “I love the opportunity to think creatively about how best to tailor treatment to each individual. I'm grateful to work somewhere that gives us the opportunity to offer patients such a wide range of advanced treatment options.”