Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani
Breast Cancer Physician and Researcher
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at Deerfield Beach
Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani is a hematologist and medical oncologist with a focus on breast cancer. She joined Sylvester in 2010 and has overseen 25 clinical trials.
Q: How did you end up being a breast cancer doctor?
A: During my medical training, I was drawn to oncology knowing that I would never be bored. The field is constantly evolving and is a scientifically rigorous area. I get to know wonderful women from diagnosis to survivorship. I continue to be inspired by my patients, and this strengthens me every day.
Q: What motivates you?
A: Oncologists are fighting a disease that fights back, often very aggressively. What motivates me is the chance to use my critical clinical thinking skills along with my patient’s strong will to come up with the best plan to treat cancer. Maybe surprisingly, I find myself sharing laughs, hugs, family stories, and lots of joy with my patients and their families every day. It’s such a privilege to be involved in a patient’s care at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
Q: Do you have an example of what a great day for you looks like?
A: I feel fortunate because I have many days that I would describe as great days. One particularly memorable patient was a woman who was sent to me for a second opinion. She had a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. Despite aggressive chemotherapy and surgery, her disease recurred. When she came to me, she was almost to the point of deciding to give up and let the cancer run its course. I was able to offer her participation in a clinical trial and, within one treatment with an investigational drug, the tumor mass shrank considerably. Within two treatments, we could no longer feel it. These types of days are the most rewarding.
Q: What are promising developments in your area of expertise?
A: In recent years, we have developed much more sensitive tools to detect disease at earlier stages. In surgery, we now work toward smaller, less extensive operations. With improvements in radiation techniques, we are able to target higher doses of radiation to the tumor while sparing normal surrounding tissue. Finally, there have been considerable improvements in systemic therapy, which is my area as a medical oncologist. We have developed more effective drugs with fewer side effects. The emergence of new tools for genome analysis has ushered in the era of precision medicine.
Q: Why do you believe Sylvester offers the best cancer care in South Florida?
A: For one, Sylvester is committed to providing patients access to clinical trials. I currently oversee 12 breast cancer clinical trials. In addition, we have multiple locations. Receiving treatment at an academic center allows for a more comprehensive, integrated and coordinated plan of care, while also offering access to clinical trials. I feel fortunate to be part of the Sylvester team.
