NYU Langone Welcomes Esteemed Liver Cancer Specialist to Lead Program

In an exciting development for liver cancer treatment, NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center has announced the appointment of Dr. Augusto Villanueva Rodriguez as the new academic and medical director of its Liver Cancer Program. Dr. Villanueva, a highly regarded hepatologist, joins NYU Langone from Mount Sinai Hospital, bringing with him a wealth of clinical expertise, research experience, and leadership skills.

Dr. Villanueva Rodriguez specializes in a broad range of liver diseases, effectively treating patients facing conditions such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and autoimmune liver disorders. His focus primarily lies in the management of primary liver cancer, notably hepatocellular carcinoma—the most prevalent form of liver cancer. Not only is he respected for his compassionate care of patients, but he also leads innovative research initiatives, including the development of liquid biopsy technologies for liver cancer detection. This work is instrumental in crafting the most effective treatment strategies tailored to patient needs.

As the head of the Liver Cancer Program, Dr. Villanueva will oversee a dedicated team of specialists, including medical oncologists, liver surgeons, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, and nurse practitioners. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive targeted therapies based on their individual circumstances, further enhancing the level of care provided at the center.

“My treatment philosophy is built on two essential pillars: respect for the patient as an individual and a multidisciplinary approach to care,” stated Dr. Villanueva Rodriguez. His commitment to patient-centric treatment underscores the values upheld by the Perlmutter Cancer Center, which aims to create a supportive environment for all patients, treating each with dignity and compassion. Dr. Villanueva Rodriguez will be seeing patients at the NYU Medical Oncology Associates located at the NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Center on 38th Street. Additionally, he will hold a faculty position within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

“The addition of Dr. Villanueva Rodriguez to our team is a thrilling development for our Liver Cancer Program,” expressed Alec Kimmelman, MD, PhD, director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center. “His research into liquid biopsy aligns perfectly with the mission of our new Molecular Oncology Program, and his extensive background as a clinician will be invaluable to our efforts in combating liver cancer.”

About Dr. Augusto Villanueva Rodriguez

Dr. Villanueva Rodriguez earned his medical degree and completed his gastroenterology and hepatology residency at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Following this, he received his PhD in biomedical sciences from the same institution and an MSc in liver research from the University of Barcelona. He holds board certifications in gastroenterology and hepatology from Spain, as well as additional credentials from the American Board of Internal Medicine. His professional qualifications extend to licenses in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

A recognized leader in his field, Dr. Villanueva is a funded investigator by the NIH and has received significant accolades, including being named on Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers list for both 2023 and 2024—an exclusive honor awarded to the top 1% of scientists worldwide based on citation metrics. His scholarly contributions are reflected in a robust publication record and leadership roles in international initiatives focused on liver cancer research.

In addition to his research accomplishments, Dr. Villanueva has been an active participant in prestigious organizations such as the International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. His roles have included serving on various scientific advisory boards and committees, such as the NCI Liver Cancer Advisory Group, and holding positions like executive secretary of ILCA and co-chair at significant hepatology consensus conferences. This extensive involvement in both clinical and translational liver cancer research further emphasizes his dedication to advancing the field.

About NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health represents a fully integrated health system recognized for achieving some of the best patient outcomes in the country through a commitment to quality care. This dedication has led to consistently low mortality rates and outstanding performance rankings. For three consecutive years, Vizient Inc. has acknowledged NYU Langone as the top organization among 115 comprehensive academic medical centers nationwide. Furthermore, U.S. News & World Report has recently ranked nine of its clinical specialties within the nation’s top five.

The NYU Langone system encompasses a wide range of medical services, including its Perlmutter Cancer Center, spanning over seven inpatient locations and more than 320 outpatient facilities across New York and Florida. The system, with an impressive annual revenue of $14.2 billion, also incorporates two tuition-free medical schools—one in Manhattan and another on Long Island—along with a substantial research network.