Alberto Vargas, MD, Author at Grand Rounds in Urology

Alberto Vargas, MD

New York University

New York, New York

Alberto Vargas, MD, is Vice Chair of Oncology Imaging and Strategy, and a Professor within the Department of Radiology at New York University in New York City. Dr. Vargas specializes in oncological and molecular imaging. His clinical and research interests focus on the use of advanced-imaging modalities, including diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and novel positron emission tomography tracers for the non-invasive diagnosis, staging, treatment response assessment, and follow-up of patients with cancer. Dr. Vargas is especially interested in imaging patients with cancers involving the urinary system and the female reproductive organs.

Dr. Vargas earned his medical degree from Central University of Venezuela in Caracas. He completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. Dr. Vargas then completed a fellowship in Oncologic Imaging and a residency in Nuclear Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, New York.

Talks by Alberto Vargas, MD

Clinical and Prognostic Implications of Cancer Visibility on Imaging: Radiology Perspective

Alberto Vargas, MD | Jan 2026

Alberto Vargas, MD, discusses the clinical and prognostic implications of prostate cancer visibility on MRI. He explains how technical factors, tumor biology, and radiologist expertise influence detection and outlines how visibility informs prognosis and patient management.

How AI Improves Imaging Interpretation

Alberto Vargas, MD | Apr 2025

Alberto Vargas, MD, examines the integration of AI into prostate MRI, focusing on its current state, challenges, and future implications.

Biology of the Radiotheranostic Approach

Alberto Vargas, MD | Dec 2024

Alberto Vargas, MD, offers an in-depth exploration of theranostics in oncology, focusing on prostate cancer.

How AI Improves Imaging Interpretation

Alberto Vargas, MD | Dec 2024

Alberto Vargas, MD, examines the integration of AI into prostate MRI, focusing on its current state, challenges, and future implications. In this 19-minute presentation, Dr. Vargas shares that current AI in prostate MRI aims to match the diagnostic accuracy of expert radiologists rather than surpass it, addressing challenges such as subjective variability in radiologist reports and optimization of workflow efficiency.

Deep learning, a subset of AI, emerges as the most promising approach, but concerns linger about its interoperability and blind spots. Ethical considerations are critical, especially the risk of creating unequal access to AI-driven diagnostics. The presentation also stresses the importance of user-friendly software integration within existing imaging platforms.

Dr. Vargas emphasizes the necessity of demonstrating value through improved patient outcomes and experiences. He takes a forward-looking perspective on AI’s evolving role in prostate MRI, balancing optimism with realistic expectations.