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Silberstein
Lev Silberstein, MD, PhD

Lev Silberstein, MD, PhD

Hematology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Associate Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
  • Associate Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
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About

Dr. Lev Silberstein is a hematologist and scientist who cares for people with bone marrow failure disorders at Fred Hutch. He studies how to protect and restore blood forming stem cells to prevent cancer and improve blood cell production.

Background

Dr. Silberstein focuses on caring for patients with acquired bone marrow failure disorders, including aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). These conditions affect stem cells in the bone marrow, which normally produce all the blood cells in the body. When these stem cells are injured by medications, chemicals or genetic changes, they may stop being able to make healthy blood cells or may become cancerous.

In his research, Dr. Silberstein studies how normal and malignant stem cells behave in the bone marrow. Working with colleagues, he conducts lab research to identify soluble molecules in the bone marrow that can protect stem cells from injury or stress. His long term goal is to help develop new treatments that allow stem cells to repair damage, restore healthy blood cell production and prevent the development of leukemia. This work also aims to support patients with blood disorders, inherited bone marrow failure and those recovering from blood stem cell transplants.

Area of Clinical Practice
Acquired bone marrow failure disorders, hematologic malignancies, non-malignant hematology

“Our goal is to cure cancer — but trying to prevent it, or to find new ways to slow it down while maintaining good quality of life for patients who can't be cured, may be just as important.”

— Dr. Silberstein

Has cancer ever affected you personally?

When I was in my twenties, my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. At first, we were told that the tumor was very aggressive but later found out that his initial diagnosis was not entirely accurate; he actually had a rare tumor that was slower-growing, and he enjoyed eight more years with us. That experience taught me to always be on the lookout for unusual ways a patient’s disease presents — what may be unique or what doesn’t seem to fit — in order not to miss a rare diagnosis or less common clinical situation.

What’s it like to work with you?

In my experience, most patients appreciate clear communication, a genuine sense of empathy and dedicated time to discuss their concerns, so those three things form the foundation of my approach to care. I find that the more knowledge that you as a patient have about your disease and prognosis, the more likely you are to feel a sense of control about your situation and make informed decisions that fit your priorities. I come as a representative of Fred Hutch’s entire team of doctors; we consult with each other regularly in order to find the best possible approach to your condition. While I may be the physician in charge of your care, you have access to the collective wisdom of world-renowned experts.

Diseases Treated

Aplastic Anemia

Blood Disorders

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Micro-environmental control of hematopoietic stem/progenitor quiescence

Restoration of hematopoietic stem cell function in bone marrow failure

Development of therapeutic strategies to enhance post-transplant reconstitution

Characterization of novel extrinsic regulators of hematopoietic stem cell/progenitor quiescence

Pharmacological modulation of hematopoietic stem cell quiescence to restore hematopoiesis in myelodysplasia (funded by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Translational Research Program Award)

Languages

English
Russian

Education and Experience

Fellowships, Hematology; Dana Farber Cancer Institute Hematology & Oncology; Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School; University College Hospital; University of Cambridge

Residency, Internal Medicine, The Royal London Hospital

PhD, University of Cambridge

MD, Novosibirsk Medical Institute

Board Certifications

Hematology, 2023; Internal Medicine, 2021; American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Translational Research Program Grant
This grant provides funding for innovative basic research exploring cures and improved treatment options for leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma that shows promise for clinical application.

Andy Hill Research Endowment Distinguished Researcher Award
This award supports the recruitment of talented scientists to cancer research organizations in Washington state.

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

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. Lev Silberstein'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
Two Fred Hutch postdocs named 2021 Damon Runyon Fellows
Two Fred Hutch postdocs named 2021 Damon Runyon Fellows Awards to Drs. Edie Crosse and Ching-Ho Chang fund ‘creative, high-risk projects’ in cancer research August 13, 2021
Washington’s CARE Fund awards Dr. Lucas Sullivan Distinguished Researcher grant
Washington’s CARE Fund awards Dr. Lucas Sullivan Distinguished Researcher grant Sullivan studies metabolic pathways required for cancer growth, progression May 17, 2019

Contact Information

206.667.2322

206.667.6124