Hiren Mehta, M.D., clinical leader of the Thoracic Oncology Disease Site Group at the UF Health Cancer Institute, was recently named chief of the UF Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine.
A recognized leader in interventional pulmonology and thoracic oncology, Mehta’s expertise includes lung cancer screening, diagnosis, staging and innovative treatment. His research and publications have focused on early lung cancer detection, pulmonary nodule prediction models and novel bronchoscopic treatment approaches.
“Thoracic oncology is truly a team effort,” said Mehta, who is also vice chief of clinical affairs at UF Health Shands Hospital and program director of the Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship Program. “Our progress comes from close collaborations among pulmonology, thoracic surgery, medical and radiation oncology, radiology, pathology and our clinical research teams. That multidisciplinary approach is one of UF’s greatest strengths.”
In the Q&A below, we asked Dr. Mehta a few questions about innovations in the field of thoracic oncology, the role of artificial intelligence and his goals for the division as he steps into the chief role:
Q: What are the most promising directions in thoracic oncology research right now within the Disease Site Group?
A: Some of the most promising work within our Disease Site Group is focused on bringing novel therapies to patients across the spectrum of lung cancer. Our portfolio includes trials of new immunotherapy combinations, antibody-drug conjugates, biomarker-driven and targeted therapies, and intratumoral injection of chemo/immunotherapy in both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.
Q: What innovations in clinical care in thoracic oncology give you the most hope?
A: Early detection gives me tremendous hope because lung cancer outcomes are dramatically better when we find it early. At the same time, the rapid growth of targeted therapies, immunotherapy and clinical trials is giving patients treatment options we could not have imagined even a decade ago. Combining these advances with minimally invasive diagnosis and multidisciplinary care has the potential to significantly improve outcomes.
“The rapid growth of targeted therapies, immunotherapy and clinical trials is giving patients treatment options we could not have imagined even a decade ago.”
Q: Is artificial intelligence playing a role in any of your work currently and, if so, how?
A: Absolutely. We have implemented AI-enabled software for nodule identification on scans and large language models for nodule tracking into our clinical workflow to help identify and track incidental pulmonary nodules. AI-enabled tools can help ensure that concerning nodules are recognized, appropriately followed and evaluated earlier. I think we are only beginning to see the potential of AI in lung cancer care.
Q: What are some of your goals as you step into the chief role?
A: My goal is to build on the division’s strengths, expand highly specialized clinical programs, improve access for our patients and grow our clinical and translational research. Just as importantly, I want to invest in our faculty, staff, fellows and future leaders.
