Dr. Alaa Ali is a physician specializing in bone marrow transplants and cellular therapy, focused on offering life-saving treatments for patients with blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. At MedStar Georgetown’s Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy program, Dr. Ali and his team are on the front lines of providing cutting-edge treatments that offer hope when it’s most needed. “For many patients, the therapies we provide are not just their best option—they are often their only chance at a cure,” he explains. His work is a testament to the power of medical innovation, delivering treatments that are curative for patients who would otherwise have limited or no options.
Dr. Ali’s journey in medicine began overseas, where he first pursued his passion for healthcare. After moving to the United States in 2008, he trained at some of the country’s top medical institutions. “I’m originally from the Middle East, and after moving to the U.S., I immersed myself in years of specialized training,” he shares. His career brought him to Washington University in St. Louis (Wash U), where he worked alongside a pioneering team in cellular therapies and bone marrow transplants. “Wash U was one of the first institutions to sequence cancer genomes, putting them at the forefront of blood cancer research and treatments,” Dr. Ali recalls. After completing his fellowship at Ohio State University, he brought his expertise to MedStar Georgetown, where he now contributes to the only standard-of-care bone marrow transplant and CAR T-cell therapy program in the DMV area.
“We’re the only transplant program in the DMV area offering these advanced, standard-of-care therapies,” Dr. Ali proudly highlights. CAR T-cell and bone marrow transplants are among the most advanced cancer treatments available, with only a limited number of hospitals nationwide capable of offering them. This makes the program at MedStar Georgetown a vital resource for patients in the region, providing access to life-saving therapies that would otherwise be out of reach.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Ali has witnessed remarkable breakthroughs in cancer treatment, including the FDA approval of Checkpoint Inhibitors during his residency, a pivotal moment in immunotherapy. “Cancer immunotherapy was Science Magazine’s breakthrough of the year in 2013, and that’s when I knew oncology was my path,” Dr. Ali recalls. His early involvement in CAR T-cell therapy during its experimental phase—long before its FDA approval—gave him valuable firsthand experience with this groundbreaking treatment. “Being involved early allowed me to understand the challenges and potential of CAR T-cell therapy, preparing me to better serve my patients as the therapy became widely available,” he explains. “CAR T-cell therapy is revolutionary, and its potential goes far beyond blood cancers. It holds promise for treating solid tumors, autoimmune diseases, and even conditions like diabetes,” he adds.
“It truly takes a village to get a patient ready for treatment and to treat patients throughout their entire journey,” Dr. Ali emphasizes. His multidisciplinary team includes coordinators, pharmacists, financial advisors, and specialized nurses, all working in unison to ensure every patient has the best possible chance for a successful outcome. “We also rely on nutritionists, physical therapists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and infectious disease specialists, as well as radiation oncologists. Each of these professionals plays a critical role not only in preparing the patient but also in providing ongoing care throughout the treatment process,” he explains. “The level of coordination and care required for these therapies truly cannot be overstated.
But Dr. Ali’s commitment to his patients doesn’t end in the clinic. This year, he is excited to participate in BellRinger 2024, riding 25 miles with his team, Heme Dream, to raise critical funds for cancer research. “I’ve wanted to be part of BellRinger for the past two years, and this year I was determined to join,” Dr. Ali shares. BellRinger is more than just a ride for him—it’s an opportunity to come together with a community united against cancer. “There’s something powerful about standing side by side with people who share a common goal: ending cancer.”
Looking to the future, Dr. Ali is eager to expand his program’s research capabilities. “We have an incredible foundation, but we’re only just beginning,” he says. His goal is to further integrate cutting-edge research with clinical practice, developing new therapies and improving existing ones through clinical trials. “We’re building a research program that will take our treatments to the next level and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer care.”
By supporting Dr. Ali and his team in BellRinger, you are not just contributing to a cause—you are helping to transform the future of cancer treatment, ensuring that life-saving therapies reach the patients who need them most. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer.
