Rutika Mehta, MD

I pursued a career in medicine because it offered a unique intersection of scientific rigor and the opportunity to be present with people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Oncology, in particular, captivated me because it requires physicians to be both scientists and empathetic guides — translating complex, rapidly evolving research into clear and honest plans for patients and their families. My focus is on gastrointestinal cancers, especially esophageal and gastric cancers, as these fields have seen remarkable advancements in recent years. Through thoughtful, biomarker-driven care, we can make meaningful differences in outcomes. Early in my training, I worked in translational genomics research, an experience that has deeply shaped how I approach connecting laboratory discoveries with individual patient care throughout my career in GI oncology.

When patients are facing esophageal and gastric cancer diagnoses, the journey can be immensely overwhelming. These diseases frequently require multidisciplinary treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or combinations thereof. I aim to simplify this complexity for patients and their caregivers by ensuring they fully understand their treatment plans — not just the "what," but the "why." My goal is to empower them as partners rather than bystanders in their care. Building trust is central to my approach, and I believe it comes from consistent communication, availability, and genuine collaboration. Beyond the clinic, I’m actively involved with advocacy organizations like the Debbie’s Dream Foundation and STOCAN (Hope for Stomach Cancer), leading town halls and educational programs for patients and caregivers. Being present in these community settings helps establish trust and underscores my commitment to their long-term well-being.

In my clinical practice, I treat the full spectrum of gastrointestinal malignancies, with a particular emphasis on esophageal and gastric cancers. Whether the disease is in its early, potentially curable stages or has progressed to advanced or metastatic phases, my focus is on tailoring care to each patient's needs. Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy have expanded what’s possible for even the most complex cases. Earlier in my career, I helped develop the clinical program for Upper GI Malignancies at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, establishing a clinical trials program that gave patients access to novel therapies ahead of standard practice. At NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center, I continue to lead an active clinical trials portfolio, spanning innovative treatments such as antibody-drug conjugates, cellular therapies, and next-generation targeted agents. My work extends to the National Cancer Institute’s Upper GI Task Force, where I contribute to shaping nationwide research strategies for these diseases, and I collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure each patient receives a coordinated, individualized treatment plan.

Our team is committed to advancing care for upper GI cancers through a comprehensive framework that addresses every aspect of the disease — from screening and prevention to survivorship. Through translational research, we’re asking deeper questions about the "why" and "how" behind these cancers, with the goal of preventing and intervening earlier. Patients also benefit from access to clinical trials at every stage, ensuring they have cutting-edge options from early-stage disease to heavily pretreated metastatic cancers. Additionally, we emphasize nutrition and rehabilitation as integral parts of treatment, supporting patients' overall health and recovery during their care journey. By focusing on the diverse needs of New York City's population, our approach reflects the realities of the community we serve, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all model to provide equitable, personalized care.

I want patients to know that they are always treated as individuals, not merely as their diagnosis. Every treatment plan is tailored to their specific disease, circumstances, and goals, rather than a uniform protocol. Esophageal and gastric cancer care requires a multidisciplinary approach, with surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists working in concert from day one. By emphasizing transparency and data-driven decision-making, I aim to provide patients with clarity while ensuring they never face this journey alone. From diagnosis to survivorship, our coordinated team approach supports patients every step of the way.

Much of my research focuses on personalizing care for gastroesophageal cancers through innovative techniques such as ctDNA testing and advanced molecular profiling. I’ve led and participated in trials exploring targeted approaches for HER2 and Claudin 18.2 in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, as well as cellular therapy trials for gastric cancer. The next frontier in treating these diseases lies in biomarker-driven strategies, and seeing research breakthroughs translate into tangible, real-world treatment options for patients is profoundly rewarding.

Throughout my career, I've received recognitions such as being named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Tampa Bay and NYC, as well as the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award. These honors reflect my dedication to multidisciplinary collaboration, advancing equity in access to care, and leveraging rigorous science to improve outcomes for patients. For me, the true measure of success is not individual accolades but knowing that my work makes a positive difference for the patients and communities I serve.