Dr. Zachary Sender's Story

The most advanced cancer therapies for my patients.

Since Zachary Senders, MD, joined the staff at Penn Highlands Mon Valley in 2023, he has developed a reputation for providing highly specialized surgical care and introducing innovative procedures for all types and stages of cancer -- particularly advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers such as liver, pancreatic, bile ducts and GI tract.

“Some people in the Mon Valley region are surprised to learn that they can receive the same innovative cancer therapies that are typically only provided in large urban hospitals at Penn Highlands Mon Valley,” said Dr. Senders. “We have the ability to treat both early stage and advanced cancers; and, even if we find an advanced cancer, there are many therapies available today for positive outcomes.”

Double-board-certified in surgical oncology and general surgery, Dr. Senders performed the first Whipple procedure, which is also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, to treat cancer in the head of the pancreas and bile duct. He also performed the hospital’s first microwave ablation, which uses microwaves to shrink and eliminate tumors from the inside out.

“Microwave ablation is as effective as surgical removal with a faster recovery time,” he explained. “The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis on the liver or lungs. Most patients can resume their normal activities in a week.”

He added, “With the multidisciplinary approach to cancer that we offer, people in the Mon Valley region can receive all of the care they need right here in their community and still be close to their loved ones,” said Dr. Senders.