When a patient hears the words, “You have breast cancer,” they need to know that all breast cancer is not alike. We will, therefore, recommend a "personalized treatment plan" tailored to their particular disease to maximize the benefit. Since coming to Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey in 1995, I have helped countless patients navigate this journey through a comprehensive approach within our Breast Oncology Program -- because it truly does take a team approach to tackle this disease. Following a fellowship at the Dana Farber Cancer Center at Harvard Medical School, preceded by a residency at the University of Pittsburgh, my expertise has long been breast cancer and breast cancer genetics – including helping people understand their risk of developing breast cancer.
Through the years, I have also been involved in the design and implementation of clinical trials that offer promising new therapies targeted to specific types of breast cancer. With consultation from experts across multiple disciplines, I help educate patients about clinical trial options. With the unique relationship offered through a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, I have the opportunity to work collaboratively with scientific investigators -- helping to translate information from the patient bedside back to the laboratory. As a professor of medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, I also enjoy teaching the next generation of oncologists and provide opportunities for students to learn cancer biology, cancer pharmacology, genetics and clinical care.
I am the author or co-author of more than 50 publications and serve on the editorial board of the journal Clinical Cancer Research, one of the nation’s premier cancer publications. As a core member for the Breast Committee of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group, which is one of the nation's largest clinical cancer research organizations that conducts clinical trials in all types of adult cancers, I help to develop and identify the next generation of treatment options for women and men with breast cancer.
Clinical Expertise
Breast cancer
Young women with breast cancer
Cancer genetics
Clinical trials
Honors
America’s Top Doctors for Cancer – New York Metro Area Castle Connolly, American Registry – 2011-2014, 2015, 2016
Recognized as an Outstanding Leader, Making a Difference for Women Award National Council for Research on Women – 2012
America’s Top Doctors, Castle Connolly Medical LTD – 2014, 2016
Best Doctors in America – Top 5% of U.S. doctors - Best Doctors – 2014
Inside Jersey’s Medical Oncology Top Doctor, Castle Connolly Medical LTD. – 2014, 2015, 2016
Top Doctors for Cancer, Newsweek Magazine – 2015, 2016
Inside Jersey’s Medical Oncology Top Doctor’s for Women, Castle Connolly Medical LTD. – 2016
America’s Most Honored Professionals: Top 1%, The American Registry – 2016
Inside New Jersey Magazines’ Top Doctors for Women’s Health – February 2017
Top Doctors for Cancer Care, Inside Jersey Magazine – July 2017
Top Doc, U.S. News & World Report, 2012
One of Thirty Outstanding Women, National Council for Research on Women, 2012
Top Doc, Inside Jersey Magazine, October 2011
Top Doc, New Jersey Savvy Living, October 2011
Ratings and Reviews
4.9 Overall
Based on 136 reviews
4.8
Provider discussed treatment options
4.9
Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.9
Provider explained things clearly
4.9
Provider included you in decisions
4.9
Provider showed concern
August 2, 2024
Very good experience.
July 3, 2024
Dr. Toppmeyer is beyond excellent!
May 22, 2024
Very Thorough
April 19, 2024
The respect and gratitude I have for Dr. D. Toppmeyer and her staff is beyond belief. They have been a true lifeline during my cancer treatment. They are extremely knowledgeable, compassionate practitioners. Always honest with me & family - the best professionals I've dealt with.
March 19, 2024
Dr. Toppmeyer is wonderful. She knows my issues regarding health, and she also takes a personal interest in my life. I love her.
March 17, 2024
Very good
March 8, 2024
All good!
February 21, 2024
Dr. D. Toppmeyer is an excellent physician.
January 31, 2024
I wouldn't trade Dr. Toppmeyer for anything. She saved my life!
January 27, 2024
Excellent care since the beginning of my diagnosis.
December 20, 2023
My doctor is excellent, she is a good listener & took great care of me.
December 13, 2023
Great team!
December 7, 2023
Very good
December 6, 2023
There is no one as caring and loving as Dr Toppmeyer! God truly blessed me with her! I will forever be grateful!
November 23, 2023
Dr. Toppmeyer is the best, professional, informed and caring
October 26, 2023
I just love Dr.Toppmeyer! I have referred her to everyone I know who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
October 17, 2023
I have been seeing Dr Toppmeyer regularly for 13 years and would never consider going to anyone else, anywhere else. I appreciate being able to be part of my healthcare decisions for as long as I am able.
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Articles and Press
Deborah Toppmeyer, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Director of both the Breast Oncology Program and LIFE Center at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey discusses her philosophy of patient care. Watch here
NJ Docs Looking for More Ways to Fight Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Dr. Toppmeyer spoke with NJ 101.5 about the fight against triple-negative breast cancer. Read more