"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Veena Shankaran, MD, MS

Provider

Veena Shankaran, MD, MS

Physician, Fred Hutch
Co-Director Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR), Fred Hutch
Professor Public Health Sciences Division; Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“I believe in providing you and your family with the resources to navigate your illness and treatment course with self-assurance and dignity.”

— Dr. Shankaran

Why do you focus on treating gastrointestinal (GI) cancers?

GI cancers are a diverse group of life-threatening diseases; collectively they’re the most common form of cancer in the United States. While significant advances have been made in the way these diseases are treated, there is still room for improvement. I’m passionate about identifying new therapies for GI cancers and increasing the number of clinical trials available. Cancers affecting the gut can also have a major impact on a person’s quality of life — making it difficult for them to enjoy a meal with friends and family. I find it rewarding to help people live not only longer, but better, and participate in the aspects life that give it meaning, like eating and socializing.

What’s it like working with you?

I believe in providing you and your family with the resources to navigate your illness and treatment course with self-assurance and dignity. I enjoy getting to know my patients, explaining what the latest science has to say and discussing what clinical trials are available. There’s been a lot of progress in GI cancer therapy in recent years, and I look forward to sharing that information with you. We’ll work together to develop a treatment plan that is based on the evidence as well as your particular needs and circumstances.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Gastrointestinal cancers

I am a board-certified medical oncologist who specializes in GI malignancies. My primary clinical interest is in cancers of the stomach and esophagus; however, I care for patients with a variety of tumors affecting the digestive system. At Fred Hutch, I am also working with colleagues to increase access to novel treatment options by expanding the GI cancer clinical trial program.

In addition to working with patients, I am the co-director of the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research. Based at Fred Hutch, this research institute studies health care economics and policy. My research focuses on the out-of-pocket costs that patients with GI cancers experience as well as the cost-effectiveness of cancer therapy; I study how to deliver great care without wasting resources. As a national leader in financial toxicity research, I currently lead the largest prospective cooperative group study to assess financial outcomes for patients with cancer through the SWOG Cancer Research Network. In addition, I serve on SWOG’s Cancer Care Delivery Research Committee.

Diseases Treated

Esophageal Cancer

Gastrointestinal Cancer

Liver Tumors and Cancer

Neuroendocrine Tumors

Pancreatic Cancer

Languages

English
Spanish

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Dartmouth College

Medical Degree
University of Michigan School of Medicine

Residency
University of Michigan, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Hematology-Oncology

Board Certification
Medical Oncology, 2009, American Board of Internal Medicine

Seattle Business Magazine's Gold Award for Achievement in Medical Research
Dr. Shankaran received this award in 2019 for her research about the financial strain faced by patients with cancer and her efforts to lessen the impact of costly treatments.

Stories

All news

10 years in, HICOR’s efforts boost cancer care’s value

10 years in, HICOR’s efforts boost cancer care’s value Fred Hutch’s Value in Cancer Care Initiative celebrates a decade of data and crucial collaborations between providers, payers and patients November 22, 2024

Fred Hutch and UW hematology/oncology fellows win ASCO Young Investigator Awards

Fred Hutch and UW hematology/oncology fellows win ASCO Young Investigator Awards Winners represent broad range of research June 5, 2024

How do we increase equity in cancer care?

How do we increase equity in cancer care? HICOR’s Value in Cancer Care Summit brings together stakeholders to discuss barriers, pain points and solutions November 8, 2023

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. Shankaran

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. Shankaran'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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