Jade Anderson, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Amarillo Cancer Center. Dr. Anderson shares what he thinks the future of cancer care will look like and one interesting fact about himself.
What inspired you to specialize in cancer care?
Over 20 years ago when I considered sub-specializing in internal medicine, I was drawn to oncology. The oncologists I worked with were compassionate, intelligent, and caring. I wanted to emulate my mentors and was accepted into the oncology and hematology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. I foresaw dramatic changes in cancer care based on the pace of scientific breakthroughs and witnessing miracles firsthand.
One advancement that inspired me was when Gleevec (Imatinib) was approved for use in chronic myelogenous leukemia patients. An attorney in his 40’s was in hospice with a metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and was a candidate for Gleevec. I remember the attending physician calling the patient and encouraging him to get out of hospice and try this new “miracle drug.” The patient went from hospice to complete remission in two months. The care, compassion, and skill of that oncology attending physician shaped me to become the oncologist I am today.
We are rapidly improving the lives of the patients we care for month by month. It’s a privilege to be part of the extraordinary advances within the oncology field. I wouldn’t choose to be in any other specialty.
What do you think the future of cancer treatments will look like?
We are rapidly learning the importance of molecular changes and pathways that lead to cancers. We can take advantage of these changes to provide treatments and even cures for many malignancies.
I believe molecular profiling of individual cancers will soon be tailored to each individual patient. In doing so, we will provide patients with tailored treatment “cocktails.” There is tremendous hope for the future of cancer care.
What excites you about joining an organization like Texas Oncology?
Having practiced in Minnesota for the last 20 years, I know cancer, how to collaborate with other doctors, and the needs of the patients we serve. As an oncologist new to the Amarillo area, I’m focused on providing that same exceptional care to the communities we serve.
Amarillo has one of the best comprehensive cancer clinics in West Texas. The physicians are exceptional with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. We are extremely lucky to have a new 55,000-square-foot clinic with incredible specialists, labs, and equipment. Amarillo and the surrounding areas are very lucky to have such excellent oncology expertise under one roof.
What is one interesting fact about you?
I became a natural pro-bodybuilder in October of 2023. At 54, I wanted to prove to myself and my patients the power of diet and exercise. I was inspired to participate in the “Clash of the Titans” bodybuilding competition. My wife is a personal trainer and encouraged my goal. After six months of hard work, I surprised myself by winning the 50+ and 40+ categories and came in third overall. At 54 there’s nothing better than beating 20- and 30-year-olds! My next goal is to compete in a professional bodybuilding competition next year.