Jiaxin (Jason) Niu, MD, PHD

Dr. Jiaxin (Jason) Niu is a triple board‑certified medical oncologist with nearly three decades of experience in translational research, clinical oncology, and early drug development. He received his medical degree from China Medical University and completed his doctorate in molecular pharmacology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He subsequently completed his internal medicine residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

During his 10 years of employment at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center (BMDACC), Dr. Niu has focused his clinical and research efforts on lung, head & neck, and skin cancers. He serves as Co‑Director of the Lung Cancer Program and Lead Medical Oncologist for the Head and Neck Cancer Program, where he integrates evidence‑based therapies with a patient‑centered approach to care.

As an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Arizona, Dr. Niu brings nearly 30 years of research and clinical expertise to academic oncology. His work in early drug development has contributed to multiple FDA‑approved therapies, including palbociclib, cemiplimab, mobocertinib, and sevabertinib. He served as site principal investigator for the pivotal cemiplimab study published in the New England Journal of Medicine and led an international phase I trial of vibostolimab (a TIGIT inhibitor) published in Annals of Oncology. He has served as principal investigator or co‑investigator for more than 60 clinical trials, is well published with over 150 peer‑reviewed publications and is a sought‑after speaker and recognized thought leader in the field.

Dr. Niu has also developed a specialized interest in advanced differentiated thyroid cancer. Over the past decade, he has helped establish the use of neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in de novo advanced disease and has gained extensive experience in radioiodine re‑sensitization strategies for radioiodine‑refractory thyroid cancer.

In addition to his subspecialty focus, Dr. Niu has extensive experience in general hematology and medical oncology, providing comprehensive care for patients with benign and malignant hematologic disorders as well as a broad range of solid tumor malignancies.

Dr. Niu’s philosophy of care centers on treating the whole person—not just cancer. He believes in the long‑standing medical principle that physicians “cure some, treat many, and comfort all,” and he strives to embody this in every patient encounter. His approach emphasizes compassionate communication, individualized treatment planning, and supporting patients and families through every stage of their cancer journey.