Roland B. Walter, MD, PhD, MS
Roland B. Walter, MD, PhD, MS
- Physician, Fred Hutch
- Professor, Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
- José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research, Fred Hutch
- Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Medical Oncology
“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.
Provider Background
Specialty: Medical Oncology
Area of clinical practice
Adult Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Acute myeloid leukemia
I am a board-certified hematologist who specializes in treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). My research focuses on developing novel antibody-based therapies for AML. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that attack invaders like viruses. I’m studying how to direct antibodies to identify and kill AML cells. Some of the antibodies in development work by engaging a patient’s own immune cells. My colleagues and I create new therapeutics for AML in partnership with other investigators at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and industry partners. These collaborations have led to the development of five new drugs that have subsequently been brought forward to the clinic for testing in people with AML.
Diseases Treated
Languages
English
German
Education, Experience and Certifications
Undergraduate Degree
Hohe Promenade, Zurich
Medical Degree
University of Zurich, Switzerland
Residency
University Hospital of Zurich, Internal Medicine; Raetisches Kantons-und Regionalspital, Internal Medicine
Fellowship
University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Hematology
Board Certification
Internal Medicine, 2016; Hematology, 2017, American Board of Internal Medicine
Other
PhD, University of Washington; MS, University of Washington
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.
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.
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.
For the Media
The Media Relations team at Fred Hutch is available to assist members of the news media who would like to arrange interviews with providers.
Email media@fredhutch.org or call 206.667.2210