Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
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.
"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
Dr. Parmjeet Kumar Banghar specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when his team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice.
Currently, Dr. Banghar is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. He has participated in a research study involving cerebrovascular diseases and been published in several journals, including Leukemia Research and the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. He has also presented on a number of topics, including sonographic evaluation of the spleen in sickle cell syndromes, lennox gastaut syndrome and sweet syndrome in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.
"This doctor is smart and knows cancer. The staff is the best. My nurses who give me shots are the best! Highly reccomend this office." -Lina
"I have been Dr. Banghar's patient since 2019 and just found out I could give him a review. Wish I had been told this before. He is an excellent provider. He has made me feel confident about my treatment which I think has/had a tremendous amount of impact on my care and the outcome. I would recommend him and the facility in a heart beat." -Felicia
Dr. Joan Dahmer specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.
Dr. Dahmer joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when her team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology in 2002, Dr. Dahmer developed the oncology program at both Maryvale and Memorial Hospitals in Phoenix. She was also Chief of Medicine at Laurentian Hospital in California and has served as a medical consultant for prominent centers and labs.
Dr. Dahmer has been active in the medical community as a past or current member of several organizations, most recently as a member of The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society, the American Society of Hematology, and the Association of Community Cancer Centers, to name a few.
She has also volunteered her time to many health-related causes, including serving as medical director for the HAVEN Program of Northeastern Ohio, a comprehensive program for those infected with and affected by HIV.
She has presented on a number of topics including, medical marijuana, cardiac assessment in home care to home health nurses, women in medicine, oral & lung cancer and medicine as a career.
"Dr. Dahmer is very good, kind, understanding, and very professional 👏." -Cozetta
"Virginia Piper cancer center has the nicest. Most accommodating staff and nurses. Doc Dahmer is the best doctor I have heard of. She is patient. Kind. Incredibly smart. Very thorough. I just love her. You wont be disappointed with her." -Samantha
Dr. Justin Goldfarb specializes in medical oncology, internal medicine, and hematology.
Growing up in suburban Detroit, Dr. Goldfarb followed his true passion to become a hematologist and medical oncologist. A published author on topics including lymphoma and breast cancer, he is double board-certified in medical oncology and internal medicine, and fellowship-trained in hematologic disorders and solid tumors.
Dr. Goldfarb earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and holds a medical degree from Midwestern University in Chicago. He completed an internal medicine residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, followed by a medical oncology fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. With academic appointments at Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and Midwestern University, Dr. Goldfarb thoroughly enjoys teaching and mentoring medical students.
"The care I receive from Dr. Goldfarb is exceptional. He listens attentively to my concerns and he provided me with a treatment plan that yields positive results. The entire team at the clinic display a high level of professionalism and make me feel comfortable while I'm there . Nicole Lee is exceptional as well." -Christian
"Dr Goldfarb has been helping me fight lung cancer for two years and is a very caring person." -JC
Dr. DiPasquale is a specialized breast surgeon with expertise in treating both malignant and benign breast diseases. Her passion lies in advanced oncoplastic reconstructive surgery, where she combines oncological principles with plastic surgery techniques. She strives to ensure excellent oncological outcomes while also prioritizing cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.
Originally from the east coast of Canada, Dr. DiPasquale completed her medical training at Dalhousie University. Following this, she pursued her General Surgery Residency at the University of Alberta. During her residency, she also earned a Master of Science degree at the prestigious Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where her research was recognized with an award from the Canadian Federation of University Women.
To further refine her skills and broaden her expertise, Dr. DiPasquale completed a breast oncoplastic and reconstruction surgery fellowship at the renowned Paris Breast Center. She is proud to hold board certifications from both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. DiPasquale's contributions extend beyond her clinical practice. She has co-authored numerous research papers and actively presents her work at international conferences. Additionally, she serves as a peer reviewer for international journals.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. DiPasquale cherishes quality time spent with her loved ones, including her family, friends, and her beloved Yorkie. After escaping the cold Canadian winters, she also enjoys spending time outdoors in the warm Arizona sun.
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. Michele Sazama is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner with extensive clinical experience, including over twenty years working with oncology patients. She holds national specialty certifications as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) and Board-Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS).
Dr. Sazama was an instructor for Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing for many years and continues to serve as adjunct faculty for the Arizona State University nursing program. She created and directed a formal clinical rotation in oncology for graduate and doctoral nursing candidates, helping Arizona students develop their ability to safely care for oncology patients.
Dr. Sazama practices evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus and respect for individual choice.
Her clinical interests include psychoneuroimmunology, stress response, coping mechanisms, biofeedback, culturally diverse healing modalities, metaphysical science, meditation, and neuroplasticity.
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. Shehas 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.
Dr. Andrew Chacko specializes in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. In his practice, he strives to provide compassionate, comprehensive treatment while maintaining his patients’ quality of life. Dr. Chacko believes that caring for patients is truly a privilege and will treat all your medical oncology and hematology needs with honesty, understanding, and care.
Dr. Chacko graduated summa cum laude from medical school and represented his peers as class president. He is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Society of Hematology (ASH), and the American College of Physicians (ACP). His research work has been published and presented at local, regional, and national medical conferences.
Dr. Chacko’s interests, outside of medicine, include playing soccer and tennis, world-traveling, and volunteering his time to health-related causes. He enjoys spending time with his family, as well as attending concerts and sporting events.
Dr. DiPasquale is a specialized breast surgeon with expertise in treating both malignant and benign breast diseases. Her passion lies in advanced oncoplastic reconstructive surgery, where she combines oncological principles with plastic surgery techniques. She strives to ensure excellent oncological outcomes while also prioritizing cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.
Originally from the east coast of Canada, Dr. DiPasquale completed her medical training at Dalhousie University. Following this, she pursued her General Surgery Residency at the University of Alberta. During her residency, she also earned a Master of Science degree at the prestigious Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where her research was recognized with an award from the Canadian Federation of University Women.
To further refine her skills and broaden her expertise, Dr. DiPasquale completed a breast oncoplastic and reconstruction surgery fellowship at the renowned Paris Breast Center. She is proud to hold board certifications from both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. DiPasquale's contributions extend beyond her clinical practice. She has co-authored numerous research papers and actively presents her work at international conferences. Additionally, she serves as a peer reviewer for international journals.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. DiPasquale cherishes quality time spent with her loved ones, including her family, friends, and her beloved Yorkie. After escaping the cold Canadian winters, she also enjoys spending time outdoors in the warm Arizona sun.
Dr. Michele Sazama is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner with extensive clinical experience, including over twenty years working with oncology patients. She holds national specialty certifications as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) and Board-Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS).
Dr. Sazama was an instructor for Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing for many years and continues to serve as adjunct faculty for the Arizona State University nursing program. She created and directed a formal clinical rotation in oncology for graduate and doctoral nursing candidates, helping Arizona students develop their ability to safely care for oncology patients.
Dr. Sazama practices evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus and respect for individual choice.
Her clinical interests include psychoneuroimmunology, stress response, coping mechanisms, biofeedback, culturally diverse healing modalities, metaphysical science, meditation, and neuroplasticity.
Dr. Apar Gupta is a board-certified radiation oncologist with expertise in a wide variety of cancer types, including head and neck, brain, thoracic, sarcoma, skin, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers. Originally from New Jersey, he earned his BA/MD at Boston University’s accelerated seven-year medical program and completed his residency in radiation oncology at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. He then went on to build his career as an attending physician at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, serving as the lead radiation oncologist for the Head & Neck service. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2022.
He additionally earned his MBA as part of the joint MD/MBA program at Boston University and serves on the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s Payer Relations Committee. As part of this effort, his goal is to ensure that insurance companies are not inappropriately denying radiation treatment options to patients. He has also published his research as a lead author in top-ranking cancer journals including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, in addition to presenting his findings at national and international conferences.
Dr. Gupta knows that every patient and every cancer is unique, and a core component of his philosophy is to provide a personalized treatment plan that best fits their needs, which leads to better outcomes, faster responses, and fewer side effects. Further, he prioritizes patient education and communication, to ensure patients are always in charge of their care and an equal member of the treatment team.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Megana, who is an Emergency Medicine physician, and with their golden retriever, Indy. He loves all things outdoors – hiking, skiing, golfing, tennis (and more recently pickleball), and traveling around the world.
"Dr. Gupta , Incredible, thorough, patient, never felt rushed. My total experience was amazing, thanks to Dr. Gupta and his team. His expertise was sooo impressive. I always felt complete trust and safe with him. Many times he went way beyond the norms of consultations, encouragement and patience. I strongly recommend him to anyone in need of an outstanding Oncologist/radiologist." -Patti
"Lines of communication are always open for any matters concerning my current health status. This is something very important to me." -Gary
Dr. Azadi specializes in specializes in Neuro-Oncology, focusing on brain, spine, skull-based tumors and head and neck malignancies (many of which are listed below). His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of brain and head & neck tumors. Dr. Azadi’s research interests include precision medicine and immunotherapy in primary and secondary brain tumors.
Acoustic neuroma
Astrocytoma
Benign nervous system tumor
Brain cancer
Brain metastasis
Brain tumor
Chordoma
Choroid plexus papilloma
Ependymoma
Glioblastoma
Glioma
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC),
Meningioma
Neurofibroma
Neurofibromatosis
Oligodendroglioma
Peripheral nerve tumor
Pituitary tumor
Secondary brain tumors
Spinal cord tumor
Dr. Azadi’s priority is to provide his patients with personalized, compassionate care using the most up-to-date treatment options. He listens to his patients, and collaboratively they choose the best treatment option for their cancer. He strives to deliver the most effective cancer management and treatment strategies, while providing encouragement and support for his patients.
In his free time, Dr. Azadi enjoys all sports, especially tennis and mountain biking.
"Dr Azadi has been treating my husband who has Glioblastoma Vi since diagnosis. He is very kind and one of the few Doctors we have worked with who has been honest with us. He is also the only one who suggested trials which we are very excited about. Dr Azadi has made himself completely reachable when I have any issues come up. He responds so quickly and always with a helpful solution." -Rhonda
Dr. Giraldo Kato specializes in medical oncology and hematology and has a special interest in breast cancer. His research interests include new breast cancer therapies as well as gastrointestinal and thoracic malignancies.
Dr. Kato joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2013, when his team at Pinnacle Oncology Hematology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Pinnacle Oncology, Dr. Kato served as chief of hematology/oncology at Maricopa Medical Center. He is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Medical Association and The American Society of Hematology. He is certified by the Medical Oncology Board and American Board of Internal Medicine.
"Dr Kato’s oncology expertise is a gift to his patients!! Diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2016, I saw Dr Kato after meeting with several medical oncologists. I remember that appointment to this day. Not only did Dr Kato share his clinical plan with me, he shared a copy of a recently published peer reviewed clinical study that supported his treatment plan for me. Evidence based medicine. I was fortunate to see 4 medical oncologist in a span of a week sometimes multiple times, even after hours to ensure our questions were addressed for which I am immensely thankful. In the end, prayer and faith led me to chose Dr Kato. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor, my treatments were necessarily aggressive and difficult. 5 months of Chemo therapy followed by surgery then full dose of radiation. Through it all, I had Dr Kato and his team by my side. Chemo nurses were incredible and deserve a lot of praise for the work they do..." -Mei
Dr. Gerald Lucas is board certified in Radiation Oncology, and a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Brachytherapy Society, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. After completing medical school at Indiana University, and his residency at University of Southern California, he established his practice in 1992 at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. Dr. Lucas served as the Medical Director of Radiation Oncology services at Good Samaritan until he joined Arizona Oncology in 2008. He practiced there for over a decade prior to joining Arizona Center for Cancer Care.
Dr. Lucas has extensive experience with the utilization of advanced technologies, including image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and brachytherapy. In addition, he is highly skilled and has extensive experience with brachytherapy for the treatment of gynecologic and breast diseases, including accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). In addition, Dr. Lucas has a special interest in the treatment of prostate, lung, and colorectal tumors, as well as brain tumors and sarcomas. Dr. Lucas is a published writer and speaker on various radiation topics.
"My experience with Dr. Lucas has been excellent. He is willing to spend whatever amount of time you need to fully understand your situation and what options may be available to you. He also went to bat for me with my insurance provider when they initially refused to pay for a particular procedure. He convinced them that it was totally necessary, and they then agreed to cover it. Also, his staff is first class. The whole office has been a joy to work with. Thank you!!" -Gary
"I was recommended to Dr Lucas, MD from my Urologist. Dr Lucas was very professional and spent the appropriate time to make sure I understood all my options and answered all my questions." -Michael
Dr. Subhakar Mutyala is board certified in Radiation Oncology and has a board subspecialty certification in Brachytherapy. He has held numerous prestigious positions, including Medical Director of Radiation Medicine at The University of Arizona Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s, Chairman of Radiation Oncology and Associate Director at Scott and White Cancer Institute, and Director of Brachytherapy at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Mutyala has extensive experience in IMRT, stereotactic radiosurgery, 3D conformal radiation therapy and unsealed radionuclide treatment. He has expertise in treating a wide range of cancers, with expertise in gynecologic cancers, pelvic tumors, prostate cancer, breast cancer, sarcomas, skin cancers, and brachytherapy.
Dr. Mutyala has authored over 40 publications and book chapters, and lectures nationally and internationally, including for the Harvard Brachytherapy Annual Review and the American Society of Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Parmjeet Kumar Banghar specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when his team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice.
Currently, Dr. Banghar is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. He has participated in a research study involving cerebrovascular diseases and been published in several journals, including Leukemia Research and the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. He has also presented on a number of topics, including sonographic evaluation of the spleen in sickle cell syndromes, lennox gastaut syndrome and sweet syndrome in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.
"This doctor is smart and knows cancer. The staff is the best. My nurses who give me shots are the best! Highly reccomend this office." -Lina
"I have been Dr. Banghar's patient since 2019 and just found out I could give him a review. Wish I had been told this before. He is an excellent provider. He has made me feel confident about my treatment which I think has/had a tremendous amount of impact on my care and the outcome. I would recommend him and the facility in a heart beat." -Felicia
Dr. Joan Dahmer specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.
Dr. Dahmer joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when her team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology in 2002, Dr. Dahmer developed the oncology program at both Maryvale and Memorial Hospitals in Phoenix. She was also Chief of Medicine at Laurentian Hospital in California and has served as a medical consultant for prominent centers and labs.
Dr. Dahmer has been active in the medical community as a past or current member of several organizations, most recently as a member of The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society, the American Society of Hematology, and the Association of Community Cancer Centers, to name a few.
She has also volunteered her time to many health-related causes, including serving as medical director for the HAVEN Program of Northeastern Ohio, a comprehensive program for those infected with and affected by HIV.
She has presented on a number of topics including, medical marijuana, cardiac assessment in home care to home health nurses, women in medicine, oral & lung cancer and medicine as a career.
"Dr. Dahmer is very good, kind, understanding, and very professional 👏." -Cozetta
"Virginia Piper cancer center has the nicest. Most accommodating staff and nurses. Doc Dahmer is the best doctor I have heard of. She is patient. Kind. Incredibly smart. Very thorough. I just love her. You wont be disappointed with her." -Samantha
