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Dey
Neelendu Dey, MD

Neelendu Dey, MD

Gastroenterology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Associate Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
  • Member, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center (PAM IRC), Fred Hutch
  • Kyle Thomas Spane Endowed Chair, Fred Hutch
  • Associate Professor, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Dey Lab

About

Dr. Neelendu “Neel” Dey is a board-certified gastroenterologist and researcher at Fred Hutch. He cares for people with gastrointestinal cancers and digestive problems related to cancer treatment and leads research on the gut microbiome and its role in cancer.

Background

Dr. Dey specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive issues associated with cancer or cancer treatment. These issues can include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, which can significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life. He cares for patients with all types of gastrointestinal cancer, with a focus on easing these symptoms so patients can have a better quality of life and successfully complete their cancer treatment.

In addition to his clinical care, Dr. Dey leads a research laboratory focused on the gut microbiome, or the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, that live in the human digestive tract. His research explores how changes in the microbiome influence cancer risk, treatment response and treatment-related side effects. The goal of this work is to develop microbiome-based approaches that could help prevent gastrointestinal cancers and reduce the burdens patients may experience during treatment.

Through his combined clinical and research approach, Dr. Dey aims to translate new scientific insights into practical strategies that improve cancer prevention and treatment.

Area of Clinical Practice
Gastrointestinal Cancer

“Being a gastroenterologist isn’t just about addressing the gut; it’s about connecting with people and cheering them on in the face of difficult circumstances.”

— Dr. Dey

Why did you become a gastroenterologist?

When I was growing up, I was influenced by TV medical dramas like ER. That show, and other shows like it, framed the field of medicine as this exciting opportunity to save lives. During medical school and residency, once I actually began seeing patients, I started to realize that quality of life — not just quantity —was an important and somewhat underappreciated aspect of medicine. Digestive health, in particular, plays a huge role in a person’s well-being; you need a happy gut to have a happy life. Recurrent episodes of nausea or other gastrointestinal issues can be very detrimental, and I enjoy helping people manage these problems so they can go about their daily lives or continue a treatment regimen. However, being a gastroenterologist isn’t just about addressing the gut; it’s about connecting with people and cheering them on in the face of difficult circumstances.

How do you approach care?

My philosophy is to empower you and your family by setting realistic yet optimistic expectations and clearly explaining what medical issues are at play. I welcome your opinion on what treatment options seem reasonable to you and what seems unlikely to be a good fit. My intention is to create an atmosphere where you can be yourself, freely express your frustrations and voice any concerns or questions that come up. If loved ones are present, and it’s okay with you as the patient, I welcome their input as well. It’s rare that I can solve all of your digestive issues in one visit; however, we’ll set goals and lay out a plan for accomplishing them together.

Diseases Treated

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Current Projects

The Dey Lab is characterizing how the gut microbiota interfaces with the host to regulate physiology (e.g. gut motility) and pathophysiology (e.g. colorectal cancer), with an initial focus on how bile acids (and differential bacterial bile acid metabolism) mediate these effects.

Languages

English
Bengali

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

Internship, Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

MD, Yale University School of Medicine

BA, Biochemical Sciences, Harvard University

Board Certification

Gastroenterology, 2011; Internal Medicine, 2008, 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. Dey

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. Dey'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. 

Meet Other Providers

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.

More About Insurance

Stories

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Dispatches from the microbial frontier of cancer research
Dispatches from the microbial frontier of cancer research Hutch scientists aim high by way of the lowly microorganisms that call us home July 15, 2022

Contact Information

206.667.6649

206.667.6519