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Hockenbery
David M. Hockenbery, MD

David M. Hockenbery, MD

Gastroenterology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch
  • Member, Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center (IIRC), Fred Hutch
  • Affiliate Investigator, Human Biology Division, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Request an Appointment Hockenbery Lab

About

Dr. David Hockenbery is a board-certified gastroenterologist and researcher at Fred Hutch. He specializes in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and cancer-related GI problems and researches how cancer cells use metabolism and resist cell death, with the goal of improving cancer prevention and care.

Background

Dr. Hockenbery focuses on gastrointestinal (GI) cancer prevention and the management of digestive issues associated with cancer and cancer treatment. He cares for people with all types of cancer, as well as those who are no longer in active treatment. Common problems he treats include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and diarrhea.

As a researcher, Dr. Hockenbery leads a lab that studies the biology and metabolism of cancer cells. He and his team analyze how these cells break down nutrients and how they bypass the natural process of cell death (apoptosis) to grow unchecked in the body. They also study how these same metabolic pathways may influence immune cell function in the presence of cancer or infection.

Dr. Hockenbery’s research includes projects exploring the biological relationship between obesity and cancer risk, as well as investigations into rare and unique cancers. One such area is the study of devil facial tumor disease, a transmissible cancer affecting Tasmanian devils that spreads through biting and has threatened the species with extinction. His work supports wildlife conservation efforts and may shed light on new treatment targets for cancer in humans.

Area of Clinical Practice
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, GI problems associated with cancer and cancer treatment

“I focus on building a foundation of trust with each patient so that together we can find solutions to their digestive troubles and achieve a good quality of life during treatment and into survivorship.”

— Dr. Hockenbery

What informs your approach to care?

My mother was treated for ovarian cancer through Fred Hutch, and one thing about her care I really appreciated was the way her doctor kept in frequent contact with us as a family throughout the whole process. That experience served as a reminder of how important it is to maintain open lines of communication — not only with patients, but their caregivers as well. My approach to care is based on being an attentive listener and understanding how a particular symptom or disease is affecting your ability to go about your daily life. While finding the right fix can take time, as well as trial and error, I’m committed to supporting you and helping you find relief.

Why do you practice gastroenterology in a cancer center?

During my medical training at Johns Hopkins, I did clinical rotations in their oncology center on the bone marrow transplant unit. That experience made such an impression on me in terms of the level of multidisciplinary collaboration that was required and what the patients went through. Some of them were dealing with really difficult complications from their treatment, like graft-versus-host disease and liver disease, yet many of the patients went on to do well. Practicing gastroenterology in a cancer center is a natural fit for me. I enjoy working with  patients to address digestive issues, such as nausea and diarrhea, that can interfere with their ability to do even the simple things in life that bring joy and satisfaction. I focus on building a foundation of trust with each patient so that together we can find solutions to their digestive troubles and achieve a good quality of life during treatment and into survivorship.

Diseases Treated

Colon Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Research Interests

The Hockenbery Lab studies programmed cell death (apoptosis) pathways that are defective in many cancer cells; and the role of cancer-cell metabolism in apoptosis, oncogene functions, and environmental/dietary risk factors, including excess supply of nutrients. After identifying cancer-selective targets, they carry out small-molecule screens for inhibitors to identify lead compounds as anticancer agents.

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Washington University School of Medicine

Residency, Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

MD, Washington University School of Medicine

Board Certification
Internal Medicine, 1985; Gastroenterology, 1989, 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. Hockenbery

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. Hockenbery'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
Fred Hutch deploys AI technology to help analyze colonoscopies
Fred Hutch deploys AI technology to help analyze colonoscopies GI Genius flags suspicious findings with a green square March 5, 2025
$5.25M from the Kuni Foundation propels innovative adult oncology research
$5.25M from the Kuni Foundation propels innovative adult oncology research Grants will support research on tumor regression, immunotherapy access and better care for breast, liver and peritoneal malignancies June 28, 2024
Dr. David Hockenbery receives the 2022 Ali Al-Johani Award
Dr. David Hockenbery receives the 2022 Ali Al-Johani Award Gastroenterologist honored for his compassion and care of patients April 13, 2022

Contact Information

206.667.4611

206.667.6519