Abdul Rafeh Naqash, MD
(71 Ratings)
, 14 Comments
VIEW ALL COMMENTS
About Abdul Rafeh Naqash
Abdul Rafeh Naqash, MD, is an internationally recognized medical oncologist and clinical investigator specializing in thoracic oncology, early-phase clinical trials, translational biomarker research, and cancer immunotherapy. He currently serves as Senior Associate Director for AI and Data Science at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences. As part of the TSET phase 1 program at Stephenson Cancer Center, Dr. Naqash is focusing on drug development and incorporating a genomically driven approach to early-phase clinical trials. He is also interested in lung cancer, immunotherapy biomarkers and the patterns of resistance to immunotherapy and immune toxicities.
Dr. Naqash completed his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at East Carolina University and a phase 1 fellowship at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Bethesda, Md. Prior to that, he earned his medical degree from Government Medical College in Srinagar, Kashmir.
An innovative leader in early drug development, Dr. Naqash is a frequent speaker at national conferences, including ASCO and SITC, and serves on multiple national trial committees. He is currently a member of the ASCO Scientific Committee and the ASCO Lung Guideline Committee. He is also the recipient of prestigious National and International awards, including the 40 Under 40 in Cancer, the NIH Director's Award, the NCI Director's Award, and the 2026 American Society of Clinical Investigation Young Physician-Scientist Award. He has also received several awards from ASCO, including the 2020 YIA, 2021 Allen Lichten Endowed Merit Award, and, more recently, the Conquer Cancer 2025 CDA,
Deeply committed to mentoring and advancing academic medicine, Dr. Naqash actively trains the next generation of trainees and engages in national advocacy on behalf of international medical graduates. Dr. Naqash brings a collaborative and visionary approach to personalized cancer care, integrating cutting-edge science with compassionate patient care and multidisciplinary innovation.
Affiliations
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center,
OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center – Oklahoma TSET Phase I Program
Awards
Consultant Editor Appreciation Award, Journal of Clinical Oncology Precision Oncology
2024
Director's Award, National Institutes of Health
2023
Oncology Educational Fellowship, AACR and the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence
2023
Impact Award, Hope Foundation for Cancer Research
2022
40 Under 40 in Cancer Award, The Association for Value-Based Cancer Care
2022
Best Oral Presentation, Oklahoma Thoracic Society
2022
Developmental Therapeutics Clinic Team Award, National Cancer Institute
2021
Allen Litchen Endowed Merit Award, Conquer Cancer Foundation
2021
Young Investigators Forum, Society of Immunotherapy of Cancer
2021
Top 5 Reviewer Award, Journal of Clinical Oncology - Precision Oncology
2021
Health Education
Board Certification
Medical Oncology
Internal Medicine
Medical School
Doctor of Medicine
Government Medical College Srinagar Kashmir
Residency
Internal Medicine
Catholic Health, University at Buffalo
Fellowship
Hematology & Oncology
East Carolina University
Hematology & Oncology
National Cancer Institute
Medical Interests
Areas of Interest:
Early Phase clinical trials in solid tumors Drug development Immunotherapy biomarkers Immunotherapy resistance Immune related adverse events Lung cancer
