After researching lymphomas for more than a decade and beating the illness herself, NYU Langone professor and alum Lisa Roth is returning to lead the medical center’s pediatric cancer and blood disease programs.

Roth stepped up as director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital and the Perlmutter Cancer Center last month. Specializing in lymphomas — a leading cause of cancer in young adults, affecting the immune system — the NYU Grossman graduate will oversee the division’s clinical care, research and education programs, as well as its implementation of advanced therapies and clinical trials. 

“My own experience as a cancer patient reinforced how important it is to care for the whole person, not just the disease,” Roth said in the press release. “I’m honored to return to NYU Langone and work alongside an exceptional team committed to advancing research while providing compassionate care.”

The new title comes after Roth spent 14 years at Weill Cornell Medicine, where she cared for children and young adults with cancer and led a research program focused on lymphomas affecting young patients. She is currently investigating how cancer grows on a molecular level through federally funded research, in hopes of discovering more effective treatments.

Roth, who is named in nearly 60 studies, also serves as a professor within the Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Department of Pediatrics. She takes over from Elizabeth Raetz, who held the position for eight years and before stepping into a new role as vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Pediatrics.

“Dr. Roth brings remarkable expertise and leadership in pediatric cancer care and research,” Anirban Maitra, director of NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, said in the press release. “Her arrival strengthens our adolescent and young adult program’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge treatments and advancing discoveries.”

Contact Mia Espinosa at [email protected].