Cristina Merkhofer, MD, MHS

Physician

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Assistant Professor

University of Washington School of Medicine

Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

Located at

SCCA South Lake Union
UW Medical Center - Montlake

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“I believe in treating you as a whole person and not just focusing on your cancer diagnosis. I enjoy learning about your values and your goals so that we can create a treatment plan that helps you reach those goals.”

— Dr. Merkhofer

Why did you choose your specialty?

As a medical oncologist, I am always working to stay on top of the latest treatment advances and to gather the data needed to make treatment decisions. However, the heart of what I do is not in reading medical journals, reviewing patient records or interpreting test results. I chose this specialty because I love translating the science of cancer care into custom treatment plans for my patients. The most rewarding part of being an oncologist is working together with my patients to meet their goals, whether it’s attending a granddaughter’s wedding or running a marathon.

Medical oncologist A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist is often the main health care provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists. Oncologist A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment, such as treating cancer with radiation. A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

What is your approach to care?

As the daughter of a physician, I understood from a young age that the physician-patient relationship is sacred. It is a privilege to share in your hopes and to try to lessen the burden of your fears. I believe in treating you as a whole person and not just focusing on your cancer diagnosis. I enjoy learning about your values and your goals so that we can create a treatment plan that helps you reach those goals. Communication is a priority, whether it’s making sure that you understand the risks and benefits of your treatment options or taking the time to call you with an update on your test results.

Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.

Provider background

Specialty: Medical Oncology

Area of clinical practice

Head and neck cancers, thoracic cancers

Lung cancer, head and neck cancers, thyroid cancer

I am a board-certified physician who specializes in treating patients with cancers affecting the lung, head, neck and thyroid. I work closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists and other providers to review your scans and medical data so that we can come up with the best treatment plan for you. Our team of thoracic and head-and-neck cancer experts has a strong clinical trial portfolio, and I am happy to discuss how trials may fit into your care.

The time that I spend with patients — discussing clinical trials, deciding between treatment options or connecting them with financial resources — directly informs my research. I study the value of clinical trial participation, both in terms of patient outcomes and costs to health care payers. I also investigate the effectiveness of lung cancer treatments in the “real world,” meaning whether patients experience similar responses and survival benefits from these treatments when receiving them outside a clinical trial. My goal is to help to facilitate decision-making for patients and oncologists and ultimately to inform health care policy.

Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Radiation oncologist A physician who has special training in using radiation to treat cancer. Thoracic Having to do with the chest. Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.

Diseases treated

Head and Neck Cancers icon

Lung Cancer icon

Mesothelioma icon

Salivary Gland Cancer icon

Thyroid Cancer icon

Education, experience and certifications

Undergraduate Degree

University of Pennsylvania

Medical Degree

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Residency

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Internal Medicine; Global Health and Underserved Populations

Fellowship

University of Washington, Hematology-Oncology

Board Certification

Medical Oncology, 2020, American Board of Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine, 2017, American Board of Internal Medicine

Other

MHS, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Languages

English

Awards

Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award

Dr. Merkhofer received this award in 2020 from Conquer Cancer, the foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The award provides funding for promising researchers in clinical oncology.

Stork Petersdorf Lung Cancer Research Award

Dr. Merkhofer received this award in 2020. Sponsored by UW Medicine, this award supports researchers aiming to develop new therapies for patients with lung cancer.

Research

Clinical trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by SCCA doctors. Many of these trials at SCCA 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.

View Clinical Trials

Your care team

At SCCA, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a team coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

Insurance

SCCA 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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