Dr. Kunle Odunsi

Dr. Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, is an internationally recognized gynecologic oncologist specializing in ovarian cancer and immunotherapy. He serves as Director of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center and Dean for Oncology in the Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. Dr. Odunsi earned his medical degree from the University of Ife in Nigeria and a PhD in immunogenetics from the Imperial Cancer Research Fund Laboratories at the University of London. He completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the Rosie Maternity and Addenbrooke’s Hospitals in Cambridge, UK, and fellowship training in gynecologic oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. He is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology and is widely regarded for his pioneering work in tumor immunology and immunotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Dr. Odunsi’s research has focused on understanding the mechanisms of immune evasion in ovarian cancer and developing novel strategies to harness the immune system for therapeutic benefit. He has led clinical trials of cancer vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapies, and checkpoint inhibitors, contributing to the global effort to bring immunotherapy into gynecologic oncology practice. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and served as principal investigator on multiple NIH- and industry-sponsored trials.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Odunsi has trained medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in oncology. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and has served in leadership positions with ASCO, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and the AACR. Through his visionary leadership, groundbreaking research, and commitment to mentorship, Dr. Kunle Odunsi continues to shape the future of gynecologic oncology and immunotherapy.