Recent breakthroughs in cancer treatment offer tremendous hope in improving survivorship and quality of life. I view no patient case as routine, and individualized treatment plans (often incorporating immunotherapy and targeted therapies) are increasingly becoming standard practice. As a cancer physician, my mission is to empower you in selecting the best treatment approach, to provide expert cancer care for you, and to be your advocate.
My expertise is focused on the care of patients with thoracic cancer (including cancers of the lung and thymus, as well as mesothelioma) and head & neck cancers (including cancers of the mouth and throat, voice box, sinuses, salivary gland, thyroid and certain skin cancers). Cancer treatment is complex and often requires close collaboration with multiple physician specialists and other healthcare professionals to provide optimal outcomes – such multidisciplinary care and patient-centered teamwork is one of my professional career joys, and I’m excited to work with many talented colleagues across RWJBarnabas. I am also a strong believer in the benefits of access to the most innovative cancer therapies that come with clinical research studies, close to home. As New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Rutgers Cancer Institute is uniquely positioned to rapidly translate advances in scientific research to the communities we serve.
A proud New Jersey resident for over 30 years, I received my medical degree at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (now Rutgers). After completing residency training in internal medicine at New Jersey Medical School where I also served as chief medical resident, I received subspecialty fellowship training in hematology and oncology at the New York University School of Medicine. I have since served on the faculty of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and have had national leadership roles in bringing high priority cancer research to people in their communities. It is an honor to serve on the faculty of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and impact the future of cancer care in New Jersey.
Clinical Expertise
Thoracic cancer: Including cancers of the lung and thymus, mesothelioma
Head & neck cancers: Including cancers of the mouth and throat (oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx), voice box (larynx), nasopharynx and sinuses; salivary gland cancer, thyroid cancer and skin cancers of the head and neck
Ratings and Reviews
4.8 Overall
Based on 120 reviews
4.9
Give easy to understand instruction
4.9
Spend enough time with you
4.9
Show respect for what you say
4.9
Provider listen carefully to you
4.9
Provider expl in way you understand
May 14, 2024
Excellent care.
April 30, 2024
Top notch medical providers
April 26, 2024
The doctor is always very helpful and thorough
April 24, 2024
This Doctor looked up the surgery record, explained what had happened, in a certain area, which definitely led to a better understanding of as why so much pain & as why it is taking so long to heal.
March 4, 2024
Very good professional. I would recommend him.
February 19, 2024
Extraordinary bedside manner - going above and beyond to help my mom avoid an additional doctor visit. AND showing empathy and care delivering his outline of hospice care as a dignified and reasonable choice for her next stop. Thank you.
Accepted Health Plan information is only as accurate as the most current information submitted. Prior to your appointment, it is advisable to verify with your insurance company they are still a participating plan prior to receiving services or care. Each plan is different and some provide different levels of coverage that could make a difference in your out-of-pocket costs. It is always best for the patient receiving care to contact their insurance company to obtain more information.
Dr. Missak Haigentz discusses important advancements in clinical cancer research through collaboration and various new therapies available to patients.
A recent study led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute suggests that about 10 percent of men and 20 percent of women who develop lung cancer have never smoked.