Dr. Rachel E. Sanborn

About Rachel E. Sanborn

Accolades

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  Pleural and Lung Cancer

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  Pleural Mesothelioma

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  Board Certified in Medical Oncology

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  Excellence in Research

Sanders is part of an expert team of thoracic cancer specialists at Providence who guide patients through a program that includes screening, diagnostics, multidisciplinary treatment and monitoring. She makes sure all phases of care are covered.

While much of her time is spent with lung cancer patients, Sanborn also has a strong clinical interest in rare thoracic malignancies such as pleural mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

She also handles esophageal cancer, chest wall tumors, thymus cancer, tracheal cancer and endocrine complications of cancer therapy.

She has experience with plasma cell dyscrasia, mediastinal tumors and cancer during pregnancy.

Sanborn, who received her medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University, is the primary investigator in several clinical trials at Providence involving lung cancer.

Her approach to care involves the personalization of treatment, but often leads to more advantageous outcomes.

Close Bond with Patients

Sanborn works closely with the thoracic surgeons, radiologists and pulmonologists, making sure care for each patient is well-planned and coordinated.

“What I enjoy most about being a medical oncologist is the close bond I develop with a patient and his family as we work together through a very difficult process,” she said. “My job is to help them make decisions about a complicated illness, so that we can find what feels right for that patient, and making sure we are providing the very best care possible.”

She has written on promising developments in lung cancer screening and novel drug development that is being used today in lung cancer treatment.

The Providence Cancer Institute is part of a nonprofit network of care centers, clinics, hospitals, doctors and affiliated services started more than 150 years ago by Sisters of Providence.

Sanborn did her residency in internal medicine at the University of Illinois and returned to Portland for a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at Oregon Health & Science University.