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Blinka
Steven M. Blinka, MD, PhD

Steven M. Blinka, MD, PhD

Medical Oncology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
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About

Dr. Steven Blinka is a medical oncologist and researcher at Fred Hutch specializing in providing care for people with prostate and bladder cancer while researching cancer genetics and treatment resistance.

Background

Dr. Blinka is focused on prostate and bladder cancer and why these diseases develop, respond to treatment or become resistant to treatment over time. His research focuses on the genetic changes within cancer cells and how those changes influence disease behavior and treatment outcomes.

By linking insights from the laboratory with what he sees in the clinic, Dr. Blinka works to tailor treatment options to the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer. His approach emphasizes using the most current research knowledge to inform care decisions, with the goal of helping patients access therapies that are best suited to their disease type and situation.

Area of Clinical Practice
Bladder oncology, prostate oncology

“Our scientific understanding of prostate and bladder cancer care is advancing rapidly, and navigating treatment options can be complex. My goal is to partner with you, and your family and friends who support you, to understand your diagnosis and treatment options.”

— Dr. Blinka

What brought you to oncology?  

I have a longstanding interest in understanding the molecular basis of stem cell biology and disease. As my fellowship training progressed, I increasingly found myself passionate about strengthening the links between clinical care and lab research to improve the prognosis of patients. I decided I want to build on my strong foundation in molecular biology and devote my career to meld clinical care and biology. I’m excited to search for the next generation of cancer treatments for prostate and bladder cancer with greater cancer specificity and fewer side effects.

How do you combine being a physician and a scientist?

One of the best parts of being a cancer care provider is the opportunity to participate in the scientific research ecosystem that is changing cancer care, every day. We have partnerships across our institution, and with collaborators around the world, to advance prostate and bladder cancer research. From a technology perspective, we now have very powerful tools and analytical techniques that enable deep inquiry and discovery, accelerating innovation. These tools help us answer the most important questions about cancer: Why do some people get certain types of cancer? Which treatment is best suited for which patient? How do we develop new treatments that are more effective? What are the best monitoring methods to assess response and safety? Entering each patient appointment with this mindset – and the most up-to-date answer for each of these questions in prostate and bladder cancer – is an incredibly valuable and unique part of providing care.

Diseases Treated

Bladder Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer

Bladder cancer

Prostate cancer

Bladder cancer

Languages

English

Education and Experience

PhD, Stem Cell Biology and Development, Medical College of Wisconsin

Fellowship, Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington/Fred Hutch Cancer Center

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine

MD, Medical College of Wisconsin

BS, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Board Certification

Internal Medicine, 2025, American Board of Internal Medicine

Clinical Trials

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.

View Clinical Trials

Publications

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. Blinka'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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Stories

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Fred Hutch and UW hematology-oncology fellows win ASCO Young Investigator Awards
Fred Hutch and UW hematology-oncology fellows win ASCO Young Investigator Awards Winners represent broad range of research June 5, 2024