Andrew J. Cowan, MD

“The foundation of a cancer success story is teamwork.”

— Dr. Cowan

Why did you become a physician?

When my mother was in her twenties, she was diagnosed with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma. It was a harrowing time for her, but she was cured through a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, and her success story inspired me to pursue medicine, eventually specializing in oncology. One of the great things about following this path is the mentors you meet along the way. During my fellowship at the Boston University Amyloidosis Center, I worked with some excellent oncologists whose clinical expertise, kindness toward their patients and passion for research continue to inspire me to this day.

What’s it like to work with you?

The physician-patient relationship is all about teamwork. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that incorporates the most recent scientific advances and reflects your priorities. I see my role as that of teacher, coach and advisor — answering your questions, helping you think through the options and providing recommendations so that you can make sound decisions. I also think it’s important to discuss clinical trials when appropriate; depending on your diagnosis and health, trials are sometimes the best option for treatment, and they are also a vital part of advancing cancer care for future generations.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice

Adult blood and marrow transplantation, hematologic malignancies

Plasma Cell Disorders

I am a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in treating multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. In addition to caring for patients at Fred Hutch, I am an active clinical researcher, helping to conduct studies investigating therapies for multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. I am also a member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s Scientific Review Committee, where I examine the feasibility and merit of research protocols. Teaching has always been an important part of my career; as a UW associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, I enjoy teaching medical students and fellows about hematologic malignancies.

Amyloidosis

Following my residency, I worked at the Amyloidosis Center, an internationally recognized leader in the treatment and research of amyloidosis and related diseases. As part of a multidisciplinary patient care team, I also conducted clinical research in gastrointestinal amyloidosis and the impact of bone marrow amyloid deposits on stem cell transplantation.

Diseases Treated

Amyloidosis

Castleman Disease

Monoclonal Gammopathy

Multiple Myeloma

Plasma Cell Leukemia

POEMS Syndrome