Brenda M. Sandmaier, MD

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Sandmaier
Brenda M. Sandmaier, MD

Brenda M. Sandmaier, MD

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

Hematology-Oncology

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“What I love about working at Fred Hutch is the collaborative environment. Rather than a lone scientist or physician sitting in a corner and having an “aha” moment, it’s a place where many great minds come together to improve cancer care.”

— Dr. Sandmaier

Why did you decide to specialize in the field of stem cell transplantation?

When I was in medical school, I knew that I wanted to have a research-based practice. I wanted to do more than offer the standard of care — I yearned to advance the science behind cancer care, too. At the time, blood stem cell transplantation was an emerging field. It was rapidly changing, and I was drawn toward helping it evolve. What I love about working at Fred Hutch is the collaborative environment. Rather than a lone scientist or physician sitting in a corner and having an “aha” moment, it’s a lot of great minds coming together to improve cancer care.  

What do you hope it's like to work with you?

After I began practicing medicine, I fell in love with hematology-oncology, in part because of the deep relationships that develop between patients and families and their care providers. I see patients for long periods of time, several times a week. Together, we explore every care and treatment option that may be a good fit. I work collaboratively with you and your family while providing the best data-driven counseling I can.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Adult blood and marrow transplantation, malignant blood disorders

I am a medical oncologist who treats patients with malignant blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. In addition to providing care at Fred Hutch, I am also faculty member, where I conduct clinical trials and perform translational research.

My driving goal is to improve outcomes for patients who undergo blood stem cell transplantation and to extend the benefit of this treatment to a broader range of patients — particularly those who are older, have medical complications or don’t have donors who are complete genetic matches. Another area of interest is radioimmunotherapy (RIT). This form of treatment uses immune system molecules to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue. I also study novel approaches for preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a life-threatening condition that can develop following a transplant. 

Diseases Treated

Leukemia

Lymphoma

Multiple Myeloma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
University of Alber­ta, Edmon­ton, Alberta, Canada

Medical Degree
University of Alber­ta, Edmon­ton, Alberta, Canada

Residency
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington School of Medicine, Medical Oncology

Board Certification
Internal Medicine, 1986; Medical Oncology, 1989, American Board of Internal Medicine

Stories

All news
Dr. Fred Appelbaum receives Lifetime Achievement award
Dr. Fred Appelbaum receives Lifetime Achievement award Medical pioneer and longtime Fred Hutch leader honored by American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy February 20, 2023
Dr. Brenda Sandmaier named president of American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Dr. Brenda Sandmaier named president of American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Transplant immunotherapy physician-scientist will serve 2022-2023 term April 26, 2022
Big gains in bone marrow transplant survival since mid-2000s
Big gains in bone marrow transplant survival since mid-2000s Despite older, sicker patients, mortality rate dropped by one-third within 10-year period January 20, 2020

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. 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. Sandmaier

Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians 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. Sandmaier'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 doctors, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

Meet Other Providers

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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