William M. Grady, MD
Professor
Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
Professor
Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutch
Member
Translational Data Science Integrated Research Center (TDS IRC), Fred Hutch
Dr. William “Bill” Grady identifies new ways to prevent, detect and treat colon cancer and other gastrointestinal, or GI, cancers. His research centers on molecular markers of disease, called biomarkers, that are easily accessible in blood or stool samples. A molecular biologist, Dr. Grady identifies biomarkers that eventually could be used in widely available tests to detect cancer early, when it is most treatable, or even identify healthy tissues at high risk of becoming cancerous. With such methods, doctors could tailor cancer prevention tests and therapies to those who need them the most. Dr. Grady is a leader of national research groups in his field. He is also a gastroenterologist who cares for patients with GI cancers and precancers and people with genetic conditions that increase their risk of developing GI cancers.
Other Appointments & Affiliations
Affiliate Investigator, Clinical Research Division, Fred HutchAffiliate Investigator
Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Medical Director
Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutch
Rodger C. Haggitt Professor
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine
Affiliate Investigator
Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutch
Education
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, 1990, MD
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, 1987, BS
Research Interests
Molecular and cell biology of gastrointestinal cancer
Genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer
Cancer biomarkers
Hereditary cancer syndromes
Clinical Studies
ColoCare cohort study: Prospective cohort study of people with colorectal cancer. The goal of the study is to identify factors (lifestyle, molecular features of the cancer, etc) that affect prognosis.
GLNE007: A validation and comparison of biomarkers for the early detection of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Using a population of 6000 participants at 10-20 sites across the US and Canada, this study will validate stool, serum and urine biomarkers for colorectal cancer. The biomarker test results are compared to clinical screening or surveillance colonoscopy to see if they can detect adenomas >1cm, high grade dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.
GICaRes study: Study of factors that affect the health and disease of the gastrointestinal tract using clinically annotated biospecimens from people undergoing screening tests for GI cancer.
Laboratory Based Studies
Identify and Validate Novel Epigenetic Molecular Markers for Colorectal Neoplasm
Genetic Determinants of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Novel Biomarkers for the Prevention and Treatment of Colon Cancer
"Our best chance to find better ways to prevent and cure cancer is through partnerships between physicians, scientists and patients."
— Dr. William Grady