Manoj P. Menon, MD

Physician
Fred Hutch
Associate Professor, Division of Hematology
University of Washington School of Medicine
Assistant Professor, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division; Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division
Fred Hutch
Specialty:
Medical Oncology
“I value the powerful, meaningful discussions I’m able to have with patients about their biggest hopes and fears.”
— Dr. Menon
Why do you study global oncology?

Roughly 50% of cancer diagnoses and 70% of cancer-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Efforts to reduce the toll of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in these parts of the world have seen some success. But now that people are living longer, cancer is on the rise, and many of these poorer countries lack the resources and infrastructure to adequately diagnose and treat people with cancer. That’s why I’m driven to look for ways we can increase cancer screening and referral rates and improve therapeutic options for patients living in LMICs. I believe that people should have access to timely, high-quality cancer care, no matter where they live. 

Screening Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Because screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (for breast cancer), colonoscopy (for colon cancer) and Pap and HPV tests (for cervical cancer). Screening can also include a genetic test to check for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease.
Menon-secondary.jpg
What do you enjoy about working with patients and families?

Getting diagnosed with cancer is a very difficult time in people’s lives. I value the powerful, meaningful discussions I’m able to have with patients about their biggest hopes and fears — and everything in between. It’s such a privilege to be present for those intimate conversations. I see my role as a listener and an educator, sharing my perspective about your diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options so that you can make decisions about your care and your future. 

Prognosis A statement about the likely outcome of a disease in a patient.

Provider background

Specialty: Medical Oncology

HIV-associated lymphoma and other malignancies

I am a board-certified medical oncologist who treats patients at SCCA and Harborview Medical Center. I was first drawn to practicing medicine out of an interest in public health. After residency, I spent six years working at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where I began studying the intersection between infectious disease and cancer. Certain viruses, such as HIV, can place people at a much higher risk of developing malignancies.  

My clinical and research interests center on HIV-associated lymphoma and other cancers as well as global oncology. I study cancer characteristics, diagnostics and treatment in low-income countries, such as Uganda, and low-resource settings within the United States. I have found that there are lessons to be learned all over the world about delivering cost-effective, culturally relevant care.

Lymphoma Cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system. There are two basic categories of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Cancer that begins in cells of the immune system. There are two basic categories of lymphomas. One is Hodgkin lymphoma, which is marked by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell. The other category is non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which includes a large, diverse group of cancers of immune system cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can be further divided into cancers that have an indolent (slow-growing) course and those that have an aggressive (fast-growing) course. These subtypes behave and respond to treatment differently. Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur in children and adults, and prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and the type of cancer. 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.

Diseases treated

Education, experience and certifications
Medical Degree
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Residency
University of Washington, Division of General Medicine, Internal Medicine, 2005
Fellowship
University of Washington, Hematology-Oncology; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Epidemiology, 2007
Board Certification
Medical Oncology, 2014, American Board of Internal Medicine
Other
Master, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Internship, University of Washington, Division of General Internal Medicine, 2003
Languages
English
Awards
Conquer Cancer Foundation Global Oncology Young Investigator Award

Dr. Menon received this award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s foundation in 2018 to support his research in the diagnosis and management of women with breast cancer in Uganda.

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.

Your care team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a patient care 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.
Registered nurse (RN)
Registered nurse (RN)
Your nurse manages your care alongside your doctor and assists with care procedures and treatments.
Patient care coordinator
Patient care coordinator
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your doctor and serves as your scheduler.

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.