Dr. Puneeth Iyengar

Dr. Puneeth Iyengar, MD, PhD, is a radiation oncologist with specialized training in treating all types of thoracic cancers, including both early-stage and advanced or metastatic disease. He serves as Director of the Metastatic Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), home to the oldest and largest Metastatic Service in the field, where he sees patients at Memorial Hospital in New York City and MSK Basking Ridge in New Jersey. His path to radiation oncology was shaped by a longstanding passion for oncology combined with deep interests in physics, mathematics, and engineering, which drew him naturally to the intersection of cancer biology and radiation science. His focus on non-small cell lung cancer grew from its position as one of the most prevalent cancers with persistently poor outcomes, driving him to dedicate his career to improving results for patients facing this and other thoracic malignancies.

Dr. Iyengar is an expert in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), a technique that delivers precise, high-dose radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. He applies SBRT to treat metastatic disease arising from all types of primary cancers, with goals of improving symptoms, quality of life, and overall survival. He also specializes in chemoradiation for metastatic cancer, combining chemotherapy with radiation to enhance treatment effectiveness. His clinical trial and translational research efforts have produced new methods to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer by halting further spread and improving survival. He co-leads the Bone Metastases Program, a multidisciplinary effort focused on managing bone metastases through local therapies and supported by a robust portfolio of clinical trials. At MSK's Metastatic Service, he and his team use data-driven, personalized approaches to select the best candidates for treatment and deliver care that addresses both survival and quality of life.

Outside of his clinical and research work, Dr. Iyengar brings a well-rounded perspective to his practice and personal life. He enjoys playing and watching college and professional sports, exploring different cuisines, and spending time with his family, including his three children and their labradoodle, Maverick. His genuine enthusiasm for his patients and his field, rooted in curiosity and a drive to improve outcomes, continues to guide his work at the forefront of metastatic cancer care.