Dr. Ajay Kandra MD

Dr. Rajesh Kukunoor MD

About Dr. Rajesh Kukunoor MD

Dr. Rajesh Kukunoor, M.D., is a medical oncologist and hematologist with a clinical focus on the management of lung and thoracic malignancies, head and neck cancers, and genitourinary cancers, including prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers. He also treats a range of hematologic disorders and has a strong interest in targeted therapies and precision oncology, applying evidence-based approaches to deliver personalized cancer care. Dr. Kukunoor completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit, followed by fellowship training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio. He serves as an Assistant Professor at Creighton University School of Medicine and is actively involved in clinical research, including participation in clinical trials aimed at advancing cancer treatment options. He has been recognized by his peers for clinical excellence, including being named a “Top Doctor” by Phoenix Magazine for multiple consecutive years. Dr. Kukunoor is known for his patient-centered approach and commitment to staying at the forefront of oncology research and innovation."

Certifications / Awards / Recognitions

Board Certified in Hematology
American Board of Internal Medicine (2004)
Board Certified in Medical Oncology
American Board of Internal Medicine (2003)
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine (2000)
Clinical Excellence Award
Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2004)
Outstanding Resident Award
Wayne State University (1999)
Gold Medal in Microbiology
Osmania Medical College (1990)
Honors in Pharmacology
Osmania Medical College (1989)

Professional Experience

Institution Location Duration Position
Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers Scottsdale, AZ July 2005 - Present Hematologist/Oncologist
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, OH July 2002 - June 2005 Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology

Education & Training

Institution Location Year Program
Osmania Medical College Hyderabad, India October 1987 - January 1994 M.B; B.S (M.D)
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cleveland, OH July 2002 - June 2005 Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology
Wayne State University Detroit, MI July 1997 - December 1999 Internal Medicine Residency

Research & Publications

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung with Metastasis to the GI Tract Associated with EGFR Exon 19 Deletion
Authors: Weiss GJ, Liman AK, Allen J, Cheung PY, Kukunoor RN.
Case Rep Med. • 2013
Clinical Significance of Cytogenetics in Multiple Myeloma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Shah J, Kukunoor R, Theil C, Kaylacio M.
Laboratory Medicine • 2004
Rituximab Therapy For Chronic Relapsing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Kukunoor R, Koo A, Mekhail T.
Journal of Clinical Apheresis • 2004
T-cell Subsets as a Predictor of the Effects of IL-2 Maintenance Therapy (MT) on Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) in Multiple Myeloma (MM)
Authors: Kukunoor R, O'Brien E, Elson P, Platt L, Snyder J, Hussein M.
American Society of Hematology • 2003
Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Kukunoor R, Shah J, Mekhail T.
Current Oncology Reports • 2003
Cardiac Tamponade in a Hypothyroid Patient Presenting with Severe Systemic Hypertension
Authors: Puthumana J, Akthar N, Kukunoor R.
American College of Physicians, Michigan Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting • 1999
Brain Metastasis: A Rare Presentation of Pancreatic Carcinoma - A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Mahakala A, Kukunoor R.
American College of Physicians, Michigan Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting • 1999
Broncholithiasis: A Rare Cause of Hemoptysis
Authors: Kukunoor R.
American College of Physicians, Michigan Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting • 1999
Disseminated Nocardiosis Presenting as Right-Sided Weakness in a Patient on Chronic Steroid Therapy
Authors: Karim S, Kukunoor R.
American College of Physicians, Michigan Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting • 1998
Proximal Myopathy in a Healthy 32-year-old Female: An Unusual Presentation of Graves’ Disease
Authors: Kukunoor R, Andersen J
American College of Physicians, Michigan Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting • 1998