Andrew Portuguese, MD

“The mystery and uncertainty of cancer can be really harrowing. I want people to come away feeling like they know what their options are and understand possible paths forward.”

— Dr. Portuguese

What brought you to oncology?

My grandfather had multiple myeloma during a time when there really weren't a lot of treatments. Today, I like to think he would have done better. And, even though my uncle had smoldering multiple myeloma that he never needed treatment for, it was still a very scary diagnosis for him that affected everything, as well. From these experiences, I have an appreciation for the psychological impact of a major illness on a family.

What do you find interesting or motivating about your work?

I’m very data oriented, and a lot of what I do involves analyzing data – I was a physics major as an undergraduate student. I really believe in evidence-based medicine, so I want to make sure we’re making use of all the data we have to make the best decisions for our patients. I also want to present options that are going to have the highest likelihood of the outcome a patient wants to achieve.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Blood and marrow transplant, immunotherapy, multiple myeloma

I am a physician who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic and UW Medical Center – Montlake.

My primary appointment is in blood and marrow transplant and immunotherapy, but I also will be focusing on multiple myeloma. It’s a complex disease and determining treatment isn’t as straightforward as it can be with other conditions that can be treated with blood and marrow transplants. It’s not only about whether a patient is a good candidate and meets the requirements, it’s also about sequencing, timing, when to do things to get the best outcome, a patient’s past treatments and so forth. I am very happy to have this role where I can walk in both worlds and guide patients through this complex process.

Multiple Myeloma