"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Kara Cicero, MD, MPH

Provider

Kara Cicero, MD, MPH

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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“What I find valuable is being there for people through some of the hardest times of their lives. I learn a lot from patients. I think they are amazing.”

— Dr. Cicero

What brought you to oncology?

Treatment for multiple myeloma and related disorders is advancing quite rapidly - it’s an exciting time to be a part of the field, as patient outcomes are improving through these new therapies and treatments. I also think the pathophysiology of the disease and the science behind it is very interesting.

Due to the chronic nature of multiple myeloma, I appreciate that I can develop relationships with patients and their families over the long term while we manage their illness.

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

I want patients to feel like they are a part of their care — that they do have power and a say in how things go, based on their preferences and goals. In the case of multiple myeloma, personalized treatment options and management are possible.

I see patients as integral to every decision. I want them to truly understand their diagnosis and be informed of their options. I aim to be approachable and want patients to feel comfortable asking me questions.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders

I am a hematologist who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic.

I am interested in global oncology and cancer disparities research to advance health equity. I led an international, multidisciplinary research team to determine the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in an understudied population that is also most likely to be affected. This project took place in Eswatini (previously known as Swaziland) and was based upon an exploratory analysis I conducted on MGUS in South Africa.

Diseases Treated

Multiple Myeloma

Related Plasma Cell Disorders

Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Cornell University

Medical Degree
Tulane University School of Medicine

Residency
Columbia University (New York Presbyterian), Internal Medicine

Fellowship
Columbia University (New York Presbyterian), Hematology and Medical Oncology

Other
MPH, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine

Board Certification
Internal Medicine, 2020; Hematology, 2023, American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards

Cancer Disparities Research Fellowship, American Association for Cancer Research & Bristol Myers Squibb, 2022

Young Investigator Award, Conquer Cancer Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2022

Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center Trainee Associate Membership Postdoctoral Pilot Award, Columbia University Medical Center / New York Presbyterian, 2021

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. Cicero's Publications

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