"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Alexandre V. Hirayama, MD

Provider

Alexandre V. Hirayama, MD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Acting Instructor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Hematology-Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic
Fred Hutch at UW Medical Center - Montlake

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“I consider the doctor-patient relationship to be both an honor and a responsibility. The opportunity to help and treat patients goes hand in hand with the chance to learn from their unique experiences.”

— Dr. Hirayama

What brought you to oncology?

Losing my mother to lung cancer as a child left an indelible mark on my life, creating an initial fear of returning to the health care environment. Over time, this pain transformed into a growing desire to help others facing similar situations. I aspire to bring empathy and understanding to health care, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of those grappling with the challenges of illness.

Each encounter is a valuable exchange, allowing me to better understand a patient’s needs and contribute to their well-being.

What do you hope it’s like for a patient to work with you?

In our journey together, I'll strive for a balance between compassionate, empathetic care and scientific excellence. This means not only addressing treatment needs with precision and expertise, but also recognizing and understanding the emotions that accompany health challenges. By tailoring my approach to align with each patient’s specific goals of care, I aim to create a supportive environment that values both the art and science of medicine and a comprehensive and personalized experience.

I have been fortunate to build meaningful connections with patients and their families over my career. It has been a privilege to share in moments of joy and sorrow and to get to know patients as individuals with distinct interests.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Blood and marrow transplantation, immunotherapy

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

The immune system's ability to eliminate cancer, which started with blood and marrow transplantation, fascinates me. I became committed to advancing the treatment of patients with blood cancers through immunotherapy, particularly using adoptive T-cell therapies to harness the power of the immune system. I have worked to determine reasons for the failure of CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CD19 CAR-T) cell therapy for some patients with B-cell malignancies. This therapy involves transferring engineered disease-fighting immune cells into a patient. Through my work, I hope to hasten the development of more effective immunotherapies and improve patient outcomes.

Diseases Treated

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Languages

English
Portuguese

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
University of Brasília

Residency
University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine
University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Other
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Clinical Research Division

Awards

2018 ASH Abstract Achievement Award, American Society of Hematology

Stories

All news

Fred Hutch at ASH: Global insights on AML outcomes, COVID-19 and cancer, CD19 CAR T-cell therapy updates, latest on precision oncology — and more

Fred Hutch at ASH: Global insights on AML outcomes, COVID-19 and cancer, CD19 CAR T-cell therapy updates, latest on precision oncology — and more December 1, 2022

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Clinicians Present New Research at 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Clinicians Present New Research at 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology December 9, 2021

SCCA, Fred Hutch, and University of Washington Medicine take the spotlight at the American Society of Hematology’s 63rd annual meeting

SCCA, Fred Hutch, and University of Washington Medicine take the spotlight at the American Society of Hematology’s 63rd annual meeting March 8, 2022

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.

View Clinical Trials Led by Dr. Hirayama

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

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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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