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.

Professional Experience

Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers
Hematologist/Oncologist · Scottsdale, AZ
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology · Cleveland, OH

Education & Training

Osmania Medical College
M.B; B.S (M.D) · Hyderabad, India
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology · Cleveland, OH
Wayne State University
Internal Medicine Residency · Detroit, MI

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.
Clinical Significance of Cytogenetics in Multiple Myeloma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Shah J, Kukunoor R, Theil C, Kaylacio M
Laboratory Medicine
Rituximab Therapy For Chronic Relapsing Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Kukunoor R, Koo A, Mekhail T
Journal of Clinical Apheresis
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
Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Kukunoor R, Shah J, Mekhail T
Current Oncology Reports
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
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
Broncholithiasis: A Rare Cause of Hemoptysis
Authors: Kukunoor R
American College of Physicians, Michigan Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting
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
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

Certifications / Awards / Recognitions

Board Certified in Hematology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Board Certified in Medical Oncology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Board Certified in Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
Clinical Excellence Award
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Outstanding Resident Award
Wayne State University