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Walter
Roland B. Walter, MD, PhD, MS

Roland B. Walter, MD, PhD, MS

Hematology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
  • Member, Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center (IIRC), Fred Hutch
  • José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, Fred Hutch
  • Affiliate Investigator, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
  • Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Adjunct Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington

About

Dr. Roland B. Walter is a board-certified hematologist and researcher at Fred Hutch. He treats blood cancers and develops antibody‑based therapies that use the immune system to target and destroy leukemia cells.


Background

Dr. Walter specializes in caring for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other blood cancers. His work in clinic is closely connected to his research, which focuses on developing new treatments for AML.

Dr. Walter’s research focuses on new and improved antibody‑based therapies. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that normally help fight infections, and his work explores how to direct them to recognize and destroy AML cells, including leukemia stem cells that can drive relapse. Some of these therapies work by engaging a patient’s own immune cells to attack the cancer.

Working in collaboration with other investigators at Fred Hutch and with industry partners, Dr. Walter’s research has contributed to the development of multiple new drug candidates that have advanced to clinical testing for people with AML.

Area of Clinical Practice
Adult blood and marrow transplantation


“My goal is to collaborate with you to establish a treatment path that is geared toward your personal values and needs.”

— Dr. Walter


Why do you work with patients who have leukemia?

I studied medicine in Switzerland. While there are many differences between the U.S. and Swiss medical systems, there’s one thing that’s the same: the personality of patients with acute leukemia. I continue to be impressed with their strength, courage and spirit. They face difficult treatments and onerous side effects with grace and gratitude. Aside from the patients themselves, I enjoy the complex, interdisciplinary nature of treating people with this disease. There are all these different aspects of medicine that come together, and I think that’s unique.

What is your approach to care and treatment?

A successful patient-physician partnership is based on transparency. With that in mind, I see it as my role to clearly explain the nuances of your disease and share what the science has to say about treatment, including both conventional and experimental options. With that as our basis, we will develop a treatment plan that best matches your life values and goals. For many of the treatment decisions, there is no absolute right or wrong; I want you to feel empowered to make decisions that fit your beliefs and wishes.

Diseases Treated

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Leukemia

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms


Research Interests

The preclinical and early clinical development and characterization of novel antigen-directed immunotherapies for AML

The conduct of trials testing novel treatments and innovative and innovative care approaches for AML patients

Approaches to develop and improve diagnostic and prognostic tools in AML

Languages

English
German

Education and Experience

MS, Epidemiology, Clinical Research, University of Washington

Research Fellowship, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch

Fellowship, Hematology, University of Washington/Fred Hutch

PhD, University of Washington

Residency, Internal Medicine, University Hospital

Residency, Internal Medicine, Rätisches Kantons- und Regionalspital

MD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich

Board Certification

Hematology, 2017; Internal Medicine, 2016; American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar in Clinical Research Award
Dr. Walter received the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Scholar in Clinical Research Award, which supports original investigation into the treatment of hematologic malignancies.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation "A" Award
The “A” Award provides funding for scientists who want to establish a career in pediatric oncology research.

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. Walter

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. Walter'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. 

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.

Stories

All news
Blood cancer experts Drs. Roland Walter and Mazyar Shadman receive endowed chairs Chairs recognize innovation and contributions to blood cancer research July 12, 2023
Eight Fred Hutch teams win Evergreen Fund awards Research projects with commercial partnership potential receive grants of up to $200K December 13, 2022
$3.5M grant to develop safer treatment for inherited blood disorders Scientists will study radioactive particles that can precisely deliver a potent punch May 21, 2020

Contact Information