First onco-nephrologist to join the cancer center

Shuchi Anand, a nationally renowned nephrologist with highly specialized expertise in kidney conditions in patients with cancer, has joined UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is the first “onco-nephrologist” at UC Davis Health. Anand brings specialized care at the intersection of nephrology and oncology that will strengthen an integrated, patient-centered approach to complex cancer care in the era of immunotherapy.

Anand is an adult kidney specialist who focuses on caring for patients with kidney concerns during cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. She also treats patients with kidney diseases associated with multiple myeloma and related plasma cell disorders, as well as electrolyte disturbances that can arise during cancer therapy. Nationally, she is a founding board member of the American Society of Onco-Nephrology and serves on the organization’s Position Statement Committee.

“Dr. Anand brings highly specialized expertise at the intersection of cancer and kidney disease,” said David Tom Cooke, physician-in-chief of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Her ability to manage kidney side effects related to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated nephrotoxicity, significantly enhances the multidisciplinary care, and unique value, we provide to our patients.”

The advancement of immunotherapy including checkpoint inhibitors, which use the body’s immune system to attack cancer, have greatly improved survival rates in cancer patients. However, prolonged use of immunotherapy, and other novel therapies, sometimes has negative side effects. For some patients, the immune system becomes too active and mistakenly attacks healthy organs — including kidneys.

Philosophy of care

Anand prioritizes spending time with patients to explain all available therapeutic options, including standard treatments and emerging therapies still in development. By aligning medical recommendations with each patient’s individual lifestyle, overall health and personal priorities, she works collaboratively with patients and hematology-oncology colleagues to select the most appropriate care plan. 

“In cancer care, kidney health is often a critical factor in determining which treatments are safe and effective for a patient,” said Anand. “I place tremendous value in creating a true partnership with my patients, so we can approach complex decisions together from a place of trust and respect.”

Anand will have clinical hours at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center on the Sacramento campus as well as at the UC Davis Health Elk Grove Clinic.

Academic interests complement clinical practice

In addition to her cancer-focused nephrology practice, Anand is a clinical scientist focused on genetic kidney disease, with a particular interest in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. She also has expertise in complex conditions that can affect the kidneys, including IgG4-related disease, sarcoidosis and Sjögren’s syndrome.

Anand’s research aims to develop strategies to preserve kidney function in patient populations. More broadly, her scholarly work includes studies on anemia, exercise programming and global health issues affecting people living with kidney disease.

Education and training

Anand received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, in 2002. She earned her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 2006 and later completed a master’s degree in epidemiology at Stanford University School of Medicine in 2013. She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, followed by a nephrology fellowship at Stanford University.

To schedule an appointment with Anand, call UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center at 800 770-9261 or 916 734-5959.