NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center has appointed Dr. Augusto Villanueva Rodriguez as the new academic and medical director of its Liver Cancer Program. Dr. Villanueva, a hepatologist with extensive experience in liver diseases, joins from Mount Sinai Hospital.
Dr. Villanueva specializes in treating primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. He is recognized for his research on liquid biopsy technologies to improve liver cancer detection and treatment planning.
In his new role, Dr. Villanueva will lead a team comprising medical oncologists, liver surgeons, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, hepatologists, and nurse practitioners at NYU Langone’s Liver Cancer Program. This multidisciplinary team approach aims to provide personalized treatment plans for patients.
“My treatment philosophy is built on two essential pillars: respect for the patient as an individual and a multidisciplinary approach to care,” said Dr. Villanueva Rodriguez. “The team at Perlmutter Cancer Center is dedicated to fostering a trusting, supportive environment where every patient is treated with dignity and compassion.”
Dr. Villanueva will see patients at NYU Medical Oncology Associates at NYU Langone Ambulatory Care Center 38th Street and join the faculty in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Villanueva Rodriguez and see him bring his exceptional leadership experience to our team,” said Alec Kimmelman, MD, PhD, director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center and the Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Professor of Radiation Oncology. “His research in liquid biopsy plays into the mission of our new Molecular Oncology Program, and his exceptional background as a clinician makes him a critical new addition to our Liver Cancer Program.”
Dr. Villanueva holds a medical degree from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain where he also completed his residency in gastroenterology and hepatology. He further obtained a PhD in biomedical sciences from the same university followed by an MSc in liver research from the University of Barcelona.
He is board certified in gastroenterology and hepatology in Spain with additional certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and gastroenterology.
As an NIH-funded investigator, Dr. Villanueva has been recognized among Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list for 2023 and 2024—highlighting his significant scholarly influence globally.
His professional affiliations include membership with organizations such as the International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases along with roles on scientific advisory boards like NCI Liver Cancer Advisory Group.
NYU Langone Health continues its focus on quality healthcare delivery achieving low mortality rates nationwide while offering comprehensive services across multiple locations including its renowned Perlmutter Cancer Center.
