Ajay Dhakal

Dr. Ajay Dhakal serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is a core faculty member of the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group (URMFG) and participates in Accountable Health Partners (AHP), delivering specialized cancer care at the Wilmot Cancer Center and Pluta Cancer Center in Rochester, NY. Board-certified in Hematology and Oncology, Dr. Dhakal focuses exclusively on breast cancer treatment and research while maintaining active clinical practice with new patient availability.

His academic training includes:

• MBBS from Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (Nepal), 2009
• Residency in Internal Medicine at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY (2013-2015)
• Clinical Fellowship in Hematology & Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY (2015-2018)

Dr. Dhakal's research centers on advancing breast cancer therapeutics through clinical investigation, with particular emphasis on metastatic disease management, targeted therapy optimization, and treatment sequencing. His work bridges laboratory discoveries with patient care, focusing on hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative, and triple-negative subtypes. Current priorities include developing risk assessment algorithms, understanding brain metastasis mechanisms, and improving quality-of-life outcomes through de-escalation strategies that maintain efficacy while reducing treatment burden.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2023) reveals dominant themes in precision oncology: development of the Rochester Modified Magee Algorithm (RoMMa) for genomic testing guidance, management of CNS metastases, and optimization of CDK4/6 inhibitor sequencing. His research consistently addresses real-world clinical challenges including toxicity management, treatment resistance, and biomarker-driven therapy selection across diverse breast cancer subtypes.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Best Poster at Annual Research Day (2017)
• Nomination for Gerald L. Logue Memorial Travel Award (2017-2018)
• Resident-Rock Award (2014)
• Dean's List in Basic Science Final Examinations (2005)
• Ministry of Education Scholarship (2003-2009)

As lead investigator for multiple NIH and industry-sponsored trials—including Phase 3 studies of gedatolisib combinations and Phase 2 neratinib trials for brain metastases—Dr. Dhakal directs significant research initiatives. His clinical trial portfolio demonstrates strong institutional and pharmaceutical partnerships, though specific grant funding details aren't publicly itemized. Patient testimonials consistently praise his exceptional communication skills, compassionate care approach, and thorough treatment explanations.

Dr. Dhakal operates within multidisciplinary teams at UR Medicine's comprehensive cancer centers, collaborating with surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists. His practice integrates cutting-edge clinical trials with standard therapies, emphasizing patient-centered decision-making and holistic care coordination across the cancer continuum.