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 160 reviews
4.9
Shows respect for what you say
4.9
Spends enough time with you
5
Provider explains things in way you understand
5
Provider listens carefully to you
4.9
Gives easy to understand instructions
April 5, 2023
*Dr. Toppmeyer in the best. I've been seeing her for 7 years. I have nothing but good things to say.
March 31, 2023
Thorough, good listener, direct answers.
February 21, 2023
Always a good visit.
December 5, 2022
I hadn't seen the dr. for quite some time; visits are usually with NP - all good.
November 28, 2022
I could not be more pleased with the care received. Each team member listens and seems genuinely concerned for my health and well-being. Having cancer stinks. Going to see them doesn't.
November 12, 2022
The doctor has a great knowledge about what she is doing.
November 10, 2022
Dr Toppmeyer is an expert and always very thorough.
November 5, 2022
Dr. Toppmeyer spends time explaining and reassures that she is very interested in my care.
October 21, 2022
Fortunately, I have only had to recommend Dr. Toppmeyer or CINJ to 2 friends and both were very pleased. I hope the day when no cancer care is needed is in our future.
October 21, 2022
I've been a patient of Dr. Toppmeyer's for treatment for 4 years and am pleased by the care provided by her and her team.
October 12, 2022
Could not be better
October 12, 2022
*Dr. Toppmeyer is an amazing oncologist. She always listens to me, guides me in a positive direction, and makes me feel better!
October 10, 2022
Dr. Toppmeyer is the BEST and she saved my life.
October 7, 2022
Excellent clinician - explains very well.
October 2, 2022
Could not have been any better. I greatly appreciate her honesty and forthright personality. I have absolute confidence in her and her PA Jackie Lauria.
September 15, 2022
*Dr. Toppmeyer is always concerned, caring & extremely professional. I'm blessed to have her as my doctor.
August 27, 2022
Dr. Toppmeyer is the absolute best! I love her!!! She has always been honest and forthright with me- and also supportive at the same time.
August 2, 2022
*Dr. Toppmeyer has been my oncologist for 25 years. I am fortunate to know her!
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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