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Grady
William M. Grady, MD

William M. Grady, MD

Gastroenterology

  • Medical Director, Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch
  • Member, Pathogen-Associated Malignancies Integrated Research Center (PAM IRC), Fred Hutch
  • Member, Translational Data Science Integrated Research Center (TDS IRC), Fred Hutch
  • Affiliate Investigator, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
  • Affiliate Investigator, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
  • Rodger C. Haggitt Professor, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Grady Lab FHIND Cancer

About

Dr. William Grady is a board-certified gastroenterologist and scientist at Fred Hutch and specializes in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, cancer-related GI problems and high-risk prevention. He leads research to improve early detection and prevention of GI cancers.

Background

Dr. Grady cares for patients with GI cancers and precancers, as well as people experiencing GI problems related to cancer treatment. He also works with individuals who have genetic conditions or family histories that increase their risk of developing GI cancers. Dr. Grady is the medical director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program, which offers assessment, screening and prevention strategies for people at high risk due to genetic predisposition or other factors.

Dr. Grady leads a research lab focused on understanding the biology of GI cancers, particularly colon and esophageal cancers. As a molecular biologist, his work examines how gene mutations and changes in gene expression drive cancer development and progression. A major focus of his research is identifying biomarkers (molecular signs of disease that can be measured in blood or stool) to help detect cancer early, identify healthy tissue at high risk of becoming cancerous and guide personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Along with his colleagues, he leads several clinical trials for people at high risk of hereditary GI cancers and contributes to national research efforts in this field.

Area of Clinical Practice
Gastrointestinal cancers, gastrointestinal problems related to cancer treatment, high risk prevention

“Communicating that you really care, that you’re going to be a partner for patients and families through tough times, is just as important as providing technical expertise.”

— Dr. Grady

What personal experiences have informed your approach to care?

My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1993. At the time, she was treated with a breakthrough therapy that saved her life — she lived another 15 years until the cancer came back. It made me appreciate how important the research side of medicine is. That medical advance gave her time she otherwise wouldn’t have had. Going through that experience with my mom also taught me the value of what I call “ being well held.” Patients and families need someone on their care team who is going to help them navigate a complicated, often fragmented medical system. Communicating that you really care, that you’re going to be a partner for patients and families through tough times, is just as important as providing technical expertise.

Tell us about an interaction with a patient that had a significant impact on you.

I once met a gentleman in his 80s who was a farmer. Otherwise healthy, he had developed diarrhea that wouldn’t go away. It was so bad he was becoming malnourished and was in danger of dying. He’d been to see other doctors in the community, but no one had made a diagnosis or fixed the problem. I was able to figure out what was going on and treat his condition, which was caused by a bacterial overgrowth. Soon he was feeling better and went back to life on his farm, spending time out in the fields and baling hay. He enjoyed that part of his life immensely, and it felt really good to be able to give that back to him.

Diseases Treated

Barrett’s Esophagus

Colon Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Rectal Cancer

Stomach Cancer

Molecular and cell biology of gastrointestinal cancer

Genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer

Cancer biomarkers

Hereditary cancer syndromes

ColoCare cohort study: Prospective cohort study of people with colorectal cancer. The goal of the study is to identify factors (lifestyle, molecular features of the cancer, etc) that affect prognosis.

GLNE007: A validation and comparison of biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Using a population of 6000 participants at 10-20 sites across the US and Canada, this study will validate stool, serum and urine biomarkers for colorectal cancer. The biomarker test results are compared to clinical screening or surveillance colonoscopy to see if they can detect adenomas >1cm, high grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.

GICaRes study: Study of factors that affect the health and disease of the gastrointestinal tract using clinically annotated biospecimens from people undergoing screening tests for GI cancer.

Identify and Validate Novel Epigenetic Molecular Markers for Colorectal Neoplasm

Genetic Determinants of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Novel Biomarkers for the Prevention and Treatment of Colon Cancer

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Gastroenterology; University of Washington; Case Western Reserve University

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Washington

MD, University of Michigan

BS, University of Michigan

Board Certifications

Gastroenterology, 1997; Internal Medicine, 1993; 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. Grady

Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians and researchers 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. Grady'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

All news
Fred Hutch Evergreen Fund awards six grants to promising projects
Fred Hutch Evergreen Fund awards six grants to promising projects Scientists receive up to $200K to boost research for projects deemed to have partnership potential September 22, 2020
6 misconceptions about colorectal cancer
6 misconceptions about colorectal cancer Get the facts and lower your risk March 8, 2018
Glory's gift: Colon cancer patient's enduring legacy
Glory's gift: Colon cancer patient's enduring legacy A young woman’s resolve to help find a better way to detect colon cancer led to a years-long relationship between her family and a researcher across the country January 13, 2016

Contact Information

206.667.1107

206.667.2917