Swedish Cancer Institute continues to grow team focused on blood cancers
The Swedish Cancer Institute (SCI) continues to expand its hematology proficiency and treatment capabilities through the addition of international multiple myeloma expert Dr. William Bensinger. Dr. Bensinger joins his former colleague Dr. John Pagel, hired last year, as part of SCI’s Center for Blood Disorders and Stem Cell Transplantation team. Dr. Bensinger is known worldwide for his expertise in blood disorders such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, using treatments including autologous stem cell transplantation, targeted radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
At Swedish, Dr. Bensinger and his team will focus on advanced treatment options for multiple myeloma, including stem cell transplantation and revolutionary clinical drug trials. His team will also integrate SCI’s Personalized Medicine Program, identifying and developing personalized treatment options for patients based on their individual cancer’s genomic profile.
“There is a tremendous amount of momentum right now in the research and treatment of multiple myeloma,” said Dr. Bensinger. “I am thrilled to join the team at Swedish because it will allow me to expand my clinical practice, including the time I spend with patients, while also still giving me the ability to remain closely involved with research and trials. In addition, I will have an opportunity for the first time to consider genomics as part of the identification and treatment process. I am extremely optimistic about the impact genomics will have on cancer patient care.”
“The Swedish Cancer Institute is a leader in integrating the range of biomedical technologies and associated treatment approaches in order to offer the best care that is personalized to each individual patient’s situation,” said SCI Executive Director Thomas Brown, M.D. “By adding Dr. Bensinger to our team of physicians, we are providing patients not only with individualized treatments, but also with the most elite hematology providers in the region to provide this care.”
Prior to joining Swedish, Dr. Bensinger served as the Director of the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and was a Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington.
Dr. Bensinger received his undergraduate and medical education at Northwestern University in Chicago. He worked for two years at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md. in the field of cancer virology before moving to the University of Washington for completion of internal medicine residency and completion of subspecialty training in medical oncology.
In 2015, Dr. Bensinger was named a Newsweek Top Cancer Doctor for multiple myeloma and stem cell transplantation. He has published more than 380 articles in journals, books and monographs in the field of stem cell transplantation and on the subjects of mobilization, collection and transplantation of autologous and allogeneic stem cells, especially as it relates to the treatment of multiple myeloma. Other publications include the use of CD34 selected stem cells and innovative transplant regimens. He holds several patents including one as co-inventor of the avidin-biotin bead selection system. He is formerly the vice-chair of the NCCN multiple myeloma guidelines committee and co-chair of the NCCN cancer related infection guidelines committee. He is a member of the Intl Myeloma Working Group clinical endpoints committee.
Dr. Bensinger will be chairing the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s first patient summit in Seattle on Saturday, October 10, from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront on 2100 Alaskan Way. The free, educational program will provide myeloma patients, caregivers and family members with an opportunity to gain valuable insight into myeloma and learn about today’s most promising treatment options.
