Top Doctor
Ramesh Rengan, MD, PhD
Located at
I became a physician because of my patients. Every day, I am inspired by oncology patients’ selflessness, even when faced with a difficult disease. I once cared for a 96-year old patient who voluntarily gave up a treatment slot so that a perfect stranger could coordinate their appointment with chemotherapy. There is nothing more fulfilling than providing care for you, and I am honored to be entrusted with your health.
Patient care should be based on a partnership between us, starting from your initial visit through your entire treatment process. Amazing quality care can only come from spending time and truly listening to you. I may have greater medical knowledge about your disease, but you have a far better understanding of your physical and emotional needs. We will get to know each other and tailor your treatment to fit what’s best for you and your lifestyle.
Provider background
Specialty: Radiation Oncology
Thoracic cancers
I am passionate about patient care, tumor biology and advanced technologies. Radiation oncology combines these fields while providing new challenges and opportunities for scientific advancement every day. Through the integration of these disciplines, I can provide state-of-the art treatment to you.
In addition to spending time with patients, I am involved in research aimed at making radiation a more effective treatment. Radiation is a potent stimulator of the immune system, and when that potential is targeted properly at the tumor, it can make the tumor function as a vaccine against itself. As a field, we are moving towards individualizing treatments to the biology of specific tumors — and, ideally, the patient. This “biologically directed” anti-cancer treatment is already a reality for several malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma. In my lifetime, I would like to see this approach integrated across all solid tumors, including lung cancer and melanoma.
Diseases treated
Stories
March 2023 marks the 10th Anniversary of the proton therapy facility. Thank you to all our dedicated patients, doctors and staff who've made this place what it is today. Also, learn more about the ongoing clinical trials our doctors are conducting and meet our newest team coordinator.
Research
Clinical trials
We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.
Publications
Many of our Fred Hutch doctors conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other doctors and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch provider has written.
Your care team
Insurance
Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.
