Roland B. Walter

Roland B. Walter is a Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a Professor in the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. He also holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Washington. Dr. Walter is the José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research at Fred Hutch.

Dr. Walter earned his M.D. from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Washington. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, and a fellowship in Hematology at UW/Fred Hutch. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

• M.D., University of Zurich, Switzerland
• M.S., Ph.D., University of Washington
• Residency in Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland
• Fellowship in Hematology, UW/Fred Hutch

Dr. Walter's research focuses on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with particular emphasis on improving antibody-based therapies. His lab has contributed to the preclinical development of five novel agents that have advanced to clinical testing (SGN-CD33A, SGN-CD123A, AMG 330, AMV-564, and APVO436). His work aims to optimize CD33-targeted and CD123-targeted therapies and understand mechanisms of action and resistance for antibody-based AML therapeutics.

Analysis of Dr. Walter's 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on measurable residual disease (MRD) in AML, novel therapeutic approaches including menin inhibitors and bispecific T-cell engagers, and optimization of hematopoietic cell transplantation approaches for AML patients. His research spans basic science, translational studies, and clinical trials, with increasing emphasis on precision medicine approaches for AML treatment.

Dr. Walter has received several prestigious awards including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar in Clinical Research Award and the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation "A" Award. He holds the José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research at Fred Hutch.

• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Scholar in Clinical Research Award
• Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation "A" Award
• José Carreras/E. Donnall Thomas Endowed Chair for Cancer Research

As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Walter conducts clinical trials testing novel treatments for AML patients while leading a productive laboratory research program. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous multi-institutional studies and consortia work, particularly with the European LeukemiaNet MRD Working Party. His research has been supported by various grants from organizations including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and industry partnerships.

Dr. Walter leads the Walter Lab at Fred Hutch, which focuses on developing novel antibody-based therapies for AML. The lab works closely with industry partners to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications, with several candidate drugs having progressed to clinical testing based on their research.