01. Doctor Overview

Doctor Overview

Dr. Aakash Desai is an assistant professor of medicine at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama. His research into tumor treatment focuses on mesothelioma and lung cancer management. He is particularly interested in emerging drugs and the quality of cancer care.

In 2015, Dr. Desai earned his medical degree at B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, India. He completed his residency and fellowship in the United States. He also earned a master’s degree in public health at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Since 2016, Dr. Desai has co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles. A number of his academic works involve research into mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. His articles have been published in prestigious journals like Cancer, JAMA Oncology and The Lancet.

Dr. Desai does clinical work related to mesothelioma and lung cancer. He is the principal investigator in an ongoing mesothelioma clinical trial. The study focuses on a novel immunotherapy called TAK-500. The goal is to test its safety and usefulness in treating mesothelioma and other cancers, both with and without another immunotherapy drug called Keytruda® (pembrolizumab).

Dr. Desai brings a global perspective to his work as an educator and healthcare advocate. He strives to improve treatment quality and access through patient-focused care.

02. Fast Facts

Doctor Fast Facts

Main Specialty: Thoracic Oncology

Other Interests & Specialties: Drug development, health disparities, hematology, lung cancer and mesothelioma management, molecular medicine and tumor immunology.

Certifications, Awards & Accolades: Appointed patient education ambassador for the Cancer GRACE Foundation (2021 – 2022), board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in Hematology, Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, recipient of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Merit Award, the Conquer Cancer Foundation ASCO Young Investigator Award, the Education Awards at the Targeted Therapies in Lung Cancer Conference, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Early Career Award, recipient of the International Cancer Foundation scholarship for the ESMO Targeted Anticancer Therapies

Education & Experience:

• Medical Degree from B.J. Medical College
• Master of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center
• Residency in Health Professions Education at the University of Connecticut
• Fellowship in Oncology and Hematology at the Mayo Clinic

03. Publications

Publications