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Cicero
Kara Cicero, MD, MPH

Kara Cicero, MD, MPH

Hematology-Oncology

Hematology

  • 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. Kara Cicero is a board-certified hematologist and researcher at the Fred Hutch. She provides care for people with multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders and researches global oncology and cancer disparities.

Background

Dr. Cicero combines her clinical expertise in multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis and plasma cell disorders with a commitment to her research on understanding how cancer affects underserved and understudied populations.

She led an international, multidisciplinary research team investigating monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor condition to multiple myeloma, in Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland). This work built on earlier exploratory research she conducted in South Africa and sought to better define the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors for MGUS in populations that are both understudied and more likely to be affected.

Through this work, Dr. Cicero aims to improve understanding of plasma cell disorders and help reduce gaps in cancer disparities.

Area of Clinical Practice
Multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders

“What I find valuable is being there for people through some of the hardest times of their lives. I learn a lot from patients. I think they are amazing.”

— Dr. Cicero

What brought you to oncology?

Treatment for multiple myeloma and related disorders is advancing quite rapidly - it’s an exciting time to be a part of the field, as patient outcomes are improving through these new therapies and treatments. I also think the pathophysiology of the disease and the science behind it is very interesting.

Due to the chronic nature of multiple myeloma, I appreciate that I can develop relationships with patients and their families over the long term while we manage their illness. 

What do you hope it’s like for a patient to work with you?

I want patients to feel like they are a part of their care — that they do have power and a say in how things go, based on their preferences and goals. In the case of multiple myeloma, personalized treatment options and management are possible.

I see patients as integral to every decision. I want them to truly understand their diagnosis and be informed of their options. I aim to be approachable and want patients to feel comfortable asking me questions.

Diseases Treated

Amyloidosis

Multiple Myeloma

Related Plasma Cell Disorders

Diseases Researched

Multiple Myeloma

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Columbia University

Residency, Internal Medicine, Columbia University

MD, Tulane University School of Medicine

MPH, Global Health Systems and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

BS, Human Development, Cornell University

Board Certifications

Hematology, 2023; Internal Medicine, 2020; American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards

Cancer Disparities Research Fellowship, American Association for Cancer Research & Bristol Myers Squibb, 2022

Young Investigator Award, Conquer Cancer Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2022

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center Trainee Associate Membership Postdoctoral Pilot Award, Columbia University Medical Center / New York Presbyterian, 2021

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians and researchers. 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.

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Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians and researchers conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by others in their field 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. Cicero'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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