Lisa Tachiki

Lisa Tachiki is an Academic Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington, with clinical practice at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. Her work focuses on cancer immunotherapy and treatment of various malignancies, particularly Merkel cell carcinoma, kidney cancer, skin cancer, and melanoma.

Dr. Tachiki received her M.D. from the University of California at Irvine, completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Washington, followed by fellowships in Hematology/Oncology at UW and Immunogenetics at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Her research interests span cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the context of Merkel cell carcinoma and other skin cancers. She has investigated the interplay between immunosuppression and immunotherapy in cancer patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work also includes studies on renal cell carcinoma treatment approaches and the impact of immunotherapy in immunosuppressed patients. Dr. Tachiki's research demonstrates a strong focus on translational oncology, bridging laboratory findings with clinical applications to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Tachiki has published numerous articles in high-impact journals, with recent work focusing on Merkel cell carcinoma, immunotherapy responses, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients. Her publications show a consistent theme of investigating innovative treatment approaches for difficult-to-treat cancers, particularly through immunotherapeutic strategies.

Her scientific contributions include research on STING agonists for overcoming immune evasion in Merkel cell carcinoma, focal therapy approaches for renal cell carcinoma, and real-world outcomes of avelumab treatment. She has also contributed significantly to understanding how immunosuppression affects cancer immunotherapy outcomes, particularly during the pandemic.

Dr. Tachiki is actively involved in clinical research through collaborations with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and the University of Washington, contributing to advancements in cancer treatment protocols and patient care strategies. Her work with the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium demonstrates her commitment to addressing emerging challenges in oncology care.