Find a Top Oncologist Near Me in Avondale, AZ – Book an Appointment Instantly

Melissa Aswad is a twice-graduate of Northern Arizona University with both her Bachelor of Science (BS, 2014) and Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS, 2021).  Prior to starting her career as a physician assistant, Melissa worked as a medical laboratory scientist after completing her training at the Cleveland Clinic.  She worked in a hospital laboratory for several years performing complex testing but missed interacting directly with patients.  This led her to return to school and pursuing a career as a physician assistant.  She has experienced caregiving for a loved one with cancer and enjoys assisting her patients and their families in navigating a new diagnosis.  She particularly enjoys assisting patients in living with metastatic cancer and helping them maximize their life outside of the oncology office.  When she is not working Melissa enjoys hiking, backpacking, attending live music, reading, and spending time with her husband and cat. 

Dr. Angeles is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced training in benign and malignant breast diseases. She is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to treating breast cancer, working closely with the other sub-specialists in oncology to provide the best treatment plan for each patient. She also incorporates oncoplastic techniques to provide optimal cosmetic outcomes after breast conservation surgery.

Dr. Angeles received her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. She completed her general surgery residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. Having a special interest in breast cancer, she went on to complete a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C

In her spare time, she loves to travel, support her sons at their basketball games, and hike during the cooler months in and around Arizona.

"I was referred to Dr. Angeles for a breast consult. I had been diagnosed with LCIS and she was very informative and thorough. She ended up doing another biopsy/lumpectomy and found a 2.5mm cancerous tumor. After another surgery to check my lymph nodes I was referred for radiation therapy. Dr. Angeles was so wonderful during this whole process. Her bedside manner is top notch. All her staff and nurses were amazing as well. I have had very little down time considering everything that has happened. She got the ball rolling quickly with all of my care and I am so grateful." -Cathie

"She is probably the most empathetic doctor I have ever met. She truly cares about her patients, not just the cancer, but your whole being. She reassuring and comforting when patients like me are at their worst. Highly recommend." -Ginny

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Nagaiah received his medical degree from MGR Medical University in India and has been in practice for more than 20 years. His residency and internship were completed at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania, and he completed a fellowship at West Virginia University. He earned a Masters in Clinical Research from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Dr. Nagaiah has expertise in treating lymphoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer, among other conditions.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that being an oncologist is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. I strive to provide evidence-based care that is appropriate to my patients’ particular problem, recognizing and respecting individual patient’s wishes. I take a multidisciplinary approach to care, including alternative therapies that have been shown to be effective.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

1. Nagaiah G, Hossain A, Mooney CJ, Parmentier J, Remick SC. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Oncol.2011;2011:542358.
   2. Batalo M, Nagaiah G, Abraham J. Cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther.2011;11(8):1277-1282.
   3. Nagaiah G, Remick SC. Combretastatin A4 phosphate: A novel vascular disrupting agent. Future Oncol. 2010;6(8):1219-1228
   4. Mooney CJ, Nagaiah G, Fu P, et al. A phase II trial of fosbretabulin in advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and correlation of baseline serum-soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 with outcome. Thyroid. 2009;19(3):233-240.
   5. Nagaiah G, Almubarak M, Khan M, Altaha R. Cerebrospinal fluid leak during treatment with bevacizumab and irinotecan after carmustine-impregnated wafers placement in patients with grade 2 oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma multiforme: Report of two cases and review of literature. Cancer Invest. 2010;28(10):1048-1053

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/govardhanan-n-ab26a97/

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Nagaiah received his medical degree from MGR Medical University in India and has been in practice for more than 20 years. His residency and internship were completed at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania, and he completed a fellowship at West Virginia University. He earned a Masters in Clinical Research from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Dr. Nagaiah has expertise in treating lymphoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer, among other conditions.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that being an oncologist is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. I strive to provide evidence-based care that is appropriate to my patients’ particular problem, recognizing and respecting individual patient’s wishes. I take a multidisciplinary approach to care, including alternative therapies that have been shown to be effective.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

1. Nagaiah G, Hossain A, Mooney CJ, Parmentier J, Remick SC. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Oncol.2011;2011:542358.
   2. Batalo M, Nagaiah G, Abraham J. Cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther.2011;11(8):1277-1282.
   3. Nagaiah G, Remick SC. Combretastatin A4 phosphate: A novel vascular disrupting agent. Future Oncol. 2010;6(8):1219-1228
   4. Mooney CJ, Nagaiah G, Fu P, et al. A phase II trial of fosbretabulin in advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and correlation of baseline serum-soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 with outcome. Thyroid. 2009;19(3):233-240.
   5. Nagaiah G, Almubarak M, Khan M, Altaha R. Cerebrospinal fluid leak during treatment with bevacizumab and irinotecan after carmustine-impregnated wafers placement in patients with grade 2 oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma multiforme: Report of two cases and review of literature. Cancer Invest. 2010;28(10):1048-1053

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/govardhanan-n-ab26a97/

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Nagaiah received his medical degree from MGR Medical University in India and has been in practice for more than 20 years. His residency and internship were completed at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania, and he completed a fellowship at West Virginia University. He earned a Masters in Clinical Research from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Dr. Nagaiah has expertise in treating lymphoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer, among other conditions.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that being an oncologist is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. I strive to provide evidence-based care that is appropriate to my patients’ particular problem, recognizing and respecting individual patient’s wishes. I take a multidisciplinary approach to care, including alternative therapies that have been shown to be effective.

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

1. Nagaiah G, Hossain A, Mooney CJ, Parmentier J, Remick SC. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Oncol.2011;2011:542358.
   2. Batalo M, Nagaiah G, Abraham J. Cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther.2011;11(8):1277-1282.
   3. Nagaiah G, Remick SC. Combretastatin A4 phosphate: A novel vascular disrupting agent. Future Oncol. 2010;6(8):1219-1228
   4. Mooney CJ, Nagaiah G, Fu P, et al. A phase II trial of fosbretabulin in advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and correlation of baseline serum-soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 with outcome. Thyroid. 2009;19(3):233-240.
   5. Nagaiah G, Almubarak M, Khan M, Altaha R. Cerebrospinal fluid leak during treatment with bevacizumab and irinotecan after carmustine-impregnated wafers placement in patients with grade 2 oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma multiforme: Report of two cases and review of literature. Cancer Invest. 2010;28(10):1048-1053

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/govardhanan-n-ab26a97/

Dr. Jason Samuelian is a Board-certified Radiation Oncologist, with expertise in novel radiation techniques including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR). He has a particular interest in using new and advanced treatment techniques to minimize side effects. He derives great satisfaction from spending time with his patients and developing relationships with them that last long beyond their cancer care.

Dr. Samuelian joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University, where he graduated cum laude. He earned his medical doctorate at Midwestern University in Glendale, where he was awarded the MICA Scholastic Award in 2008, and graduated with Honors in 2010. He completed an internal medicine internship at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, followed by residency training at the Baylor College of Medicine, where he also served as chief resident. In addition, Dr. Samuelian has completed two brachytherapy fellowships — at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Seattle Prostate Institute.

Dr. Samuelian is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, American Brachytherapy Society, American College of Radiology, American College of Radiation Oncology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He has been invited to serve on the ASCO Professional Development Committee. He currently serves as Chairman of the Cancer Committee at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, a program accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).

Dr. Samuelian actively participates in cooperative group clinical trials. His research has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, and he has presented at national meetings on SABR for COPD patients with early-stage lung cancer, IMRT for the treatment of rectal cancer, and prostate cancer brachytherapy, among others.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr. Samuelian has always been very honest and truthful in presenting us with our options I trust his opinion 100 present and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking his treatment." -Rick

"I have been very impressed with Dr. Jason Samuelian. He seems extremely knowledgeable. I have had several doctors that had horrible bedside manner. Dr. Samuelian has an incredible bedside manner. It was so obvious that he was really concerned with my welfare. I would also like to do a shout out to his support team. They were incredible, and kind. I can't say enough about the entire experience. I'd give him six stars if I could." -Peter

Dr. Terry Lee specializes in radiation oncology, and has extensive experience in brain, head and neck, lung, and gastrointestinal cancer.

Dr. Lee co-founded Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 with Drs. Devinder Singh, Christopher Biggs and Daniel Reed. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he explored new treatment options for brain tumors using Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Dr. Lee attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine, where he would also complete his internship, before completing his residency at the University of California, San Francisco, where he would eventually serve as chief resident.

Dr. Lee certified by the American Board of Radiology, and he is a Diplomat of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology. He is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr. Lee and all personnel are very good the Dr. explained with details my problem and all personnel are professional and treated me with care." -Sylvia

"Dr. Lee was great, kept us updated with treatment. Checking how everything thing was going & answered all questions. The staff was always very will to help!
Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!" -Tom

Dr. Christopher Biggs specializes in radiation oncology and is an expert in radiosurgery and gynecological oncology.

Dr. Biggs co-founded Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 with Drs. Devinder Singh, Daniel Reed and Terry Lee. He attended the University of Arizona, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular biology. His interest in cancer research took him to the University of Southern California, under the Borchard Cancer Research Fellowship. There, he performed research on the molecular genetics of cancer at the Norris Cancer Center and at LA Children’s Hospital. After completing his Doctor of Philosophy degree, he moved to Stanford University, where he earned his medical degree, and developed an interest in radiation oncology. Dr. Biggs completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of California, San Francisco, where he eventually served as chief resident.

For five years, Dr. Biggs performed radiosurgery at Barrow Neurological Institute and also served as director of the Baptist Oncology Center.

Dr. Biggs is certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a Diplomat of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology. He is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, Radiology Society of North America, American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and the American Association of Advancement of Science.

Dr. Biggs is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine.

Patient Reviews:

"My experience was great I even had to travel from Yuma AZ for my treatments. DR Biggs made everything go as easy and painless for me. his staff were extremely kind and professional just like him! I appreciate so much for their empathy they had for me and my battle with cancer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I highly recommend this office." -Jen

"The office visit was for my husband Jessie Wilson. Dr. Biggs is excellent at relieving any anxiety we had going in. He took the time to explain everything as well as talking about personal info to get to know us better. We left feeling very relaxed and confident in his care moving forward. We highly recommend Dr. Biggs and his entire staff to anyone who needs treatment!" -Linda

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Dr. Daniel Richard Reed specializes in radiation oncology, with a focus on breast and prostate cancers.

Dr. Reed co-founded Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 with Drs. Devinder Singh, Christopher Biggs and Terry Lee. He received his Bachelor of Science  in Chemistry and Biology from Western Kentucky University. He attended medical school at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his internship at Doctors Hospital Ohio University and his residency at the University of Washington Medical Center, where he would eventually serve as Chief Resident and in 2002 earned the National Research Award in radiation oncology for his work in breast cancer treatment. He also served as the Seattle Prostate Institute/American Brachytherapy Society Prostate fellowship coordinator for several years.

In 2007, he authored the National Treatment Guidelines of the American College of Radiology for Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy and the book chapter on Skull-based tumors in The Textbook of Radiation Oncology (2nd edition). He has also served as a scientific reviewer for the International Journal of Radiation Oncology and national representative of the American Brachytherapy Society.

Dr. Reed is certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a Diplomat of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology. He is a current or past member of the American Brachytherapy Society, American Radium Society, American Radiology Resident Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association, among others.

Dr. Reed is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine and has over 70 combined 5-star reviews from happy patients.

Patient Reviews:

Arizona Center for Cancer Care is a cancer center without walls, offering the best doctors, best treatments, best technologies, and best research to give patients the best care possible. With offices in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Sun City, Sun City West, Goodyear, Prescott Valley, and Tempe, Arizona, the multi-specialty practice cares for more than 30,000 patients across the Valley.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care specializes in treating many types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, colon, head and neck, breast, skin, and pancreatic, as well as brain cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. 

The practice uses the most current treatment options available, including various forms of radiation oncology and medical oncology, and hematology. The center also includes experts in gynecologic oncology and breast surgery and has a newly diagnosed breast cancer clinic.

The board-certified radiation oncologists at Arizona Center for Cancer Care use positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging to reveal the presence and severity of cancer and create an effective treatment plan.

Dedicated to providing its patients with the most current drugs and therapies available, Arizona Center for Cancer Care participates in multiple clinical trials. 

Cancer is a disease of survivors, and Arizona Center for Cancer Care is keeping it that way.  

For comprehensive, high-quality cancer care, call Arizona Center for Cancer Care or schedule an appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are available.

Dr. Starr (Friedman) Eads is a board-certified General Surgeon who joined Arizona Premier Surgery in the summer of 2019. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, she attended the University of Michigan where she majored in English and graduated with a BA and high honors for her undergraduate thesis. She then obtained her MD from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. While Dr. Eads was in medical school, many of her close family members relocated to Arizona, but she remained in the South for another 5 years after graduation for residency training. She completed her residency in General Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. During this time, she met her now-husband, Danny Eads, who was training in Cardiothoracic Surgery. They were both fortunate to find positions with busy practices and great partners close to Dr. Eads’ family, and they are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Scottsdale and East Valley areas.

Dr. Eads’ practice focuses on minimally invasive surgery, with growing expertise in both the robotic Da Vinci and laparoscopic platforms. She is also skilled in traditional open surgical techniques. Her clinical interests include surgery for the gallbladder, upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders, groin hernias, abdominal wall hernias, and skin/soft tissue lesion removal. Providing excellent patient care is her top priority. She is dedicated to continuing to expand her knowledge base and learn new techniques to optimize her patients’ experience. Dr. Eads believes in a team approach to patient care, and that patients and their families are an important part of this team. She tries to always take the time to listen to the concerns of her patients and strives for her patients to consistently feel like they understand and are in control of the plan.

Dr. Eads’ interests include hiking, live music, co-hosting crawfish boils, eating food cooked by other people, and all things New Orleans. She likes to spend her spare time with friends and family whenever possible. She and the other Dr. Eads are proud parents of their French bulldog, Barkley, and they enjoy bringing him on their adventures.

Robin is a certified nurse practitioner at the Arizona Center for Cancer Care, working alongside Dr. Parmjeet Banghar.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ameritech College of Nursing in Draper, Utah, and completed her Master of Nursing at Grand Canyon University, as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, with an emphasis on Adult Gerontology.   

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Robin worked as a registered nurse for Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care.  Having extensive experience working in oncology/hematology, she understands the importance of providing a patient-centered approach.  Robin is passionate about providing individualized treatment plans and promoting patient advocacy.  

In her spare time, Robin enjoys spending time with her family. She has three adult children, two boys, Gabriel and Rowan, and one daughter Baylee.  She also has an Aussiedoodle, named Bajie. She loves to travel, explore the outdoors, and on occasion play a round of golf.

A licensed and certified physician assistant, Perry has worked in a variety of healthcare settings throughout her career and particularly enjoys working alongside Dr. Brenda Moorthy at the Virginia G Piper Cancer Care Network Comprehensive Breast Center of Arizona. Perry holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University.

Perry works closely with patients both in the office and during surgery. She is passionate about patient education and makes sure patient questions are always answered.

When Perry is not caring for patients, she loves spending time with her husband, two children, and Boston Terrier. She also enjoys camping, swimming, traveling, and especially, shopping!

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Modasi is very thorough in diagnosing & then explaining his care plan in “layperson” terms. He takes the time to answer questions on the procedure. Dr Modasi will do whatever he can to assure a successful procedure & recovery. I’m thankful for his help with my health issues." -Jeff