Francisco Javier Esteva, MD, PhD

Francisco J. Esteva, MD, PhD, is interim chief, division of hematology/oncology and chief of breast medical oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital, and director of breast medical oOncology for Northwell Health’s Western region, which includes Manhattan, Staten Island and Westchester County.

He first became interested in the specialty during his fellowship at Georgetown University Medical Center, after graduating from the Universidad de Zaragoza in Spain and completing a residency at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in New Jersey.

“As a fellow, I was fascinated by the complexity of breast cancer biology and how improved understanding of the disease at the molecular level could lead to new therapeutic approaches. Breast cancer is not a single disease, and the different molecular subtypes require specific treatments,” he says. “This is a type of cancer that when detected early and managed well, can often be cured. That’s very rewarding.”

Dr. Esteva focuses on empowering patients, ensuring that discussions about diagnosis and treatment are collaborative, with plenty of patient involvement. That starts with education about all aspects of the disease, and explanation of pathology, clinical staging, molecular assays, and treatment options. “Our multidisciplinary team approach at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Lenox Hill is key to our success, always keeping the patient at the center of all we do.”

Dr. Esteva has made significant strides in advancing the field of breast medical oncology. He has served as lead or co-lead investigator in more than 100 clinical trials evaluating new therapeutic approaches for all breast cancer subtypes. His group discovered mechanisms of resistance to HER2 targeted therapies, and developed treatment approaches that can overcome that resistance and result in improved patient outcomes. He made important contributions to the development of new medications for locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. He has also played important roles in the initial development of prognostic and predictive multi-gene assays that led to reduced use of chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer. Dr. Esteva has authored or co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, and textbook chapters, including leading treatment guidelines in the field. In 2019, Dr. Esteva was awarded the Susan G. Komen Greater NYC’s Physician of Impact Award.