Vivian Oehler

Dr. Vivian Oehler is an Associate Professor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Translational Science and Therapeutics Division) and the University of Washington School of Medicine (Division of Hematology and Oncology), specializing in hematologic malignancies including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and related blood disorders through integrated clinical and research roles.

Her academic foundation includes advanced medical training and government studies:

• MD, Case Western Reserve University, 1997
• BA in Government, Harvard University, 1989

Dr. Oehler's research investigates genetic and molecular mechanisms driving leukemia initiation, progression, and therapy resistance, particularly to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in CML. Her laboratory analyzes high-throughput gene and microRNA expression data from patient samples to identify disease markers and resistance pathways, discovering gene signatures for CML progression and noncoding RNA roles in AML relapse. This work directly informs the development of prognostic tools, drug screening platforms, and novel therapeutic agents for clinical translation.

As Principal Investigator for multiple clinical trials including HQP1351, TERN-701, and POLARIS-2 studies, she leads translational efforts evaluating new treatments for refractory CML and AML. Her research receives clinical trial funding through the Cancer Consortium and collaborative networks.

The Oehler Lab operates within Fred Hutch's Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, employing genomic technologies and drug screening assays to bridge laboratory discoveries with patient care. The team collaborates extensively with the University of Washington, CML Consortium, and clinical partners to advance leukemia treatment paradigms.