"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

T. Martin Ma, MD, PhD

Provider

T. Martin Ma, MD, PhD

Physician, Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington

Specialty:

Radiation Oncology

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“Everybody has distinct life experiences, values and disease characteristics and deserves a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to them.”

— Dr. Ma

Have you been personally impacted by cancer?

My mother-in-law was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer the summer before I started medical school. My wife and I were on a road trip across the country when we got that dreaded phone call, and our lives were changed forever. Going through the highs and lows of the journey firsthand showed me the tremendous impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on patients and their loved ones. It helped me appreciate the possible challenges, and it also motivated me to provide the best care I can. I often put myself in the shoes of patients — if they were my family, what would I want doctors to do for us?

What do you value about your work?

An evidence-based approach in a multidisciplinary setting is the best way to provide optimal care to patients. My background as a scientist helps me assess clinical evidence and have a balanced discussion with patients. I take pride in providing high-quality care while keeping my patients informed.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Genitourinary cancers, gynecological cancers, high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), proton therapy

I am a physician who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic and Fred Hutch Cancer Center - Proton Therapy.

I have a long-standing interest in advanced imaging, including multiparametric MRI, prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET/CT) and MRI-guided radiotherapy. I have been a co-investigator on multiple phase I/II and phase III clinical trials. I am also an investigator of the international Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials in Cancer of the Prostate (MARCAP) consortium and have led a few meta-analyses answering important clinical questions.

I have had close family members who battled prostate cancer, so treating it is personal for me. I am also proud to offer complex interstitial brachytherapy for gynecological cancer patients.

Our multidisciplinary teams collaborate closely on one goal: to beat cancer.

Diseases Treated

Cervical Cancer

Endometrial Cancer

Gynecologic Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Testicular Cancer

Uterine Sarcoma

Languages

English
Mandarin

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Tsinghua University

Medical Degree
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Residency
University of California, Los Angeles, Radiation Oncology

Graduate Degree
PhD, Cellular and Molecular Medicine/ Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Awards

Conquer Cancer Merit Award, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, 2022

Early Career Oncologist Award, American Radium Society, 2022

Novocure Travel Grant, The Radiation Oncology Summit, American College of Radiation Oncology, 2022

Best Abstract Award, The Radiation Oncology Summit, American College of Radiation Oncology, 2022

Best Clinical Abstract Resident Challenge Award, The Radiosurgery Society, 2021

Persky Research Award, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2015

Thomas D. Pollard Scholar, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2011

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

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. Ma'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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