"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Andrew Portuguese, MD

Provider

Andrew Portuguese, MD

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

Specialty:

Hematology-Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“The mystery and uncertainty of cancer can be really harrowing. I want people to come away feeling like they know what their options are and understand possible paths forward.”

— Dr. Portuguese

What brought you to oncology?

My grandfather had multiple myeloma during a time when there really weren't a lot of treatments. Today, I like to think he would have done better. And, even though my uncle had smoldering multiple myeloma that he never needed treatment for, it was still a very scary diagnosis for him that affected everything, as well. From these experiences, I have an appreciation for the psychological impact of a major illness on a family.

What do you find interesting or motivating about your work?

I’m very data oriented, and a lot of what I do involves analyzing data – I was a physics major as an undergraduate student. I really believe in evidence-based medicine, so I want to make sure we’re making use of all the data we have to make the best decisions for our patients. I also want to present options that are going to have the highest likelihood of the outcome a patient wants to achieve.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Blood and marrow transplant, immunotherapy, multiple myeloma

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

My primary appointment is in blood and marrow transplant and immunotherapy, but I also will be focusing on multiple myeloma. It’s a complex disease and determining treatment isn’t as straightforward as it can be with other conditions that can be treated with blood and marrow transplants. It’s not only about whether a patient is a good candidate and meets the requirements, it’s also about sequencing, timing, when to do things to get the best outcome, a patient’s past treatments and so forth. I am very happy to have this role where I can walk in both worlds and guide patients through this complex process.

Diseases Treated

Lymphoma

Multiple Myeloma

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
University of Rochester School of Medicine

Residency
University of Rochester, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington, Hematology/Oncology

Board Certification
Internal Medicine, 2020, American Board of Internal Medicine
Hematology, 2023, American Board of Internal Medicine
Medical Oncology, 2023, American Board of Internal Medicine

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.

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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. Portugues's Publications

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