Cristina P. Rodriguez

Dr. Cristina P. Rodriguez is a Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and a Professor in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. She specializes in head and neck cancers, salivary gland cancer, and thyroid cancer, with clinical practice locations at Fred Hutch Cancer Center - South Lake Union and UW Medical Center – Montlake.

Dr. Rodriguez earned her M.D. from the University of the Philippines, Manila, completed residency at Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and pursued fellowship training in Hematology-Oncology at the same institution. She maintains board certification in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Her research focuses on integrating targeted therapies into treatment standards for head and neck malignancies through clinical trials. She has particular expertise in improving outcomes for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, salivary gland cancers, and radioactive iodine-refractory thyroid cancers. Dr. Rodriguez actively investigates ways to reduce racial and economic disparities in cancer outcomes, recognizing the role of modifiable risk factors like smoking, alcohol, and HPV infections in these cancers. Her clinical trials portfolio includes studies on pembrolizumab, novel targeted agents for salivary gland tumors, and innovative approaches for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

As a national leader in cancer care, Dr. Rodriguez serves on the NCCN Head and Neck Cancers Panel and contributes to ASCO clinical practice guidelines for salivary gland malignancies and neck management in squamous cell carcinoma. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes maximizing treatment success while preserving quality of life and functional outcomes, working within multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans based on patients' goals and values.