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Cassaday
Ryan D. Cassaday, MD

Ryan D. Cassaday, MD

Hematology-Oncology

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

Dr. Ryan Cassaday is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and researcher who cares for patients with leukemia at Fred Hutch. He leads clinical research to develop new treatment strategies for high-risk forms of this disease.

Background

Dr. Cassaday specializes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a relatively rare blood cancer. He practices within a specialized team dedicated to this single disease, allowing patients to receive highly focused expertise and coordinated care.

Dr. Cassaday’s clinical work and research are closely aligned. He serves as the principal investigator on both investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials in adult ALL. His research interests include developing new chemotherapy approaches for patients at higher risk, such as older adults and those with relapsed/refractory disease (disease that has returned or not responded to standard treatment).

He is also particularly interested in using measurable residual disease (very small amounts of cancer that can remain after treatment) as a tool to better understand disease risk for ALL. By studying how this information can guide both standard and experimental therapies, Dr. Cassaday aims to tailor treatment intensity to each patient’s specific situation and improve outcomes.

Area of Clinical Practice
Cellular immunotherapy, blood and marrow transplantation, hematologic malignancies

“My goal is to find the best strategy for each individual patient I see, with the hope of providing the best balance of quality and quantity of life that I can.”

— Dr. Cassaday

What do you enjoy most about being an oncologist?

I wanted to be able to use my interest in science to help people in a meaningful way. I’ve found that balance as a hematologist-oncologist. Not only do I care for current patients with cancer, I also review past Fred Hutch patients to identify patterns that might predict how we can better treat future patients.

How does research play a role in your work?

Research is a critical part of my work at Fred Hutch, even though I don’t conduct any laboratory-based research. However, I collaborate with colleagues who do, and I apply their observations and discoveries to patient care. I am involved in several clinical trials testing new treatments for patients with ALL. Clinical trials really help move our field forward and, for some diseases, it’s how we meet unmet needs. However, I understand that a clinical trial may not be the right option for every patient.

Diseases Treated

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Leukemia

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Hematology-Oncology, University of Washington/Fred Hutch

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics

Medical Degree, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health

Undergraduate Degree, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Board Certification
Medical Oncology, 2013; Hematology, 2013; Internal Medicine, 2010, 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 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.

Find a Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Cassaday

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. Cassaday'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

All news
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‘Good cancer’? Views vary on a sunny phrase
‘Good cancer’? Views vary on a sunny phrase Many patients and doctors refuse to apply the ‘g’ word to highly curable cancers, but some survivors draw hope from the ‘good’ November 10, 2016

Contact Information

206.606.1202

206.606.1130