Andrew J. Cowan, MD
Located at
When my mother was in her twenties, she was diagnosed with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma. It was a harrowing time for her, but she was cured through a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, and her success story inspired me to pursue medicine, eventually specializing in oncology. One of the great things about following this path is the mentors you meet along the way. During my fellowship at the Boston University Amyloidosis Center, I worked with some excellent oncologists whose clinical expertise, kindness toward their patients and passion for research continue to inspire me to this day.
The physician-patient relationship is all about teamwork. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that incorporates the most recent scientific advances and reflects your priorities. I see my role as that of teacher, coach and advisor — answering your questions, helping you think through the options and providing recommendations so that you can make sound decisions. I also think it’s important to discuss clinical trials when appropriate; depending on your diagnosis and health, trials are sometimes the best option for treatment, and they are also a vital part of advancing cancer care for future generations.
Provider background
Specialty: Medical Oncology
Adult Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Hematologic Malignancies
I am a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in treating multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders. In addition to caring for patients at Fred Hutch, I am an active clinical researcher, helping to conduct studies investigating therapies for multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. I am also a member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center’s Scientific Review Committee, where I examine the feasibility and merit of research protocols. Teaching has always been an important part of my career; as a UW assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Oncology, I enjoy teaching medical students and fellows about hematologic malignancies.
Following my residency, I worked at the Amyloidosis Center, an internationally recognized leader in the treatment and research of amyloidosis and related diseases. As part of a multidisciplinary patient care team, I also conducted clinical research in gastrointestinal amyloidosis and the impact of bone marrow amyloid deposits on stem cell transplantation.
Diseases treated
Stories
Adding a monoclonal antibody to standard three-drug induction therapy may offer a deeper response in newly diagnosed transplant-eligible patients with multiple myeloma, recent studies show.
Learn about the latest innovations in hematologic oncology.
Research
Clinical trials
We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.
Publications
Many of our Fred Hutch doctors conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other doctors 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 provider has written.
Press
Our providers are often asked to give their medical expertise for press and news publications. Read articles by or about this Fred Hutch provider.
Your care team
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.
