Mario M. Leitao, Jr., MD, FACOG, FACS
Gynecologic Surgeon
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Areas of Expertise
My Specialties
- Gynecologic Cancers (Cervical, Uterine, Ovarian)
- Complex Benign Gynecologic Conditions
- Fertility-Sparing Radical Trachelectomy
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About Me
- Fellowship Director, Gynecology Service
- Director, Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery Program, Department of Surgery
I am a board-certified gynecologic oncologist who specializes in surgery for women with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer.
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I have a strong interest in providing minimally invasive surgical options for our patients, including both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures. In 2006, I became one of the first gynecologic oncologists to use the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform robotically-assisted procedures in women with benign and malignant gynecologic conditions. Minimally invasive procedures result in less blood loss than do traditional surgeries, allowing for shorter hospital stays and faster recuperation time for patients. I serve as the Director for the Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery Program in the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering and have helped to build one of the best and most experienced robotic surgery programs in the world across multiple surgical specialties.
I also perform radical procedures via traditional laparotomy in cases when these more-traditional surgeries may provide better results and longer survival. These include debulking for ovarian cancer and radical procedures for other gynecologic cancers. Additionally, using the robotic approach, I perform fertility-sparing surgery (radical trachelectomy) for women with early-stage cervical cancer. I continue to seek ways to improve outcomes for my patients and continuously seek to evaluate cutting edge technologies in surgery.
I also have a strong interest in clinical research. Research is vital for development of better treatments for all patients diagnosed with cancer. People with cancer face a difficult journey, and clinical trials are just one of the tools I offer my patients to help them during this time. I serve as the principal investigator at Memorial Sloan Kettering for the Gynecologic Oncology Group — a national group conducting quality cooperative research at many institutions throughout the country.
In 2004, I completed my fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering and received the Michael E. Burt Memorial Award for Clinical Excellence. I then became Director of Gynecologic Services at the New Jersey Medical School, where I received the National Faculty Award from the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I joined the Memorial Sloan Kettering staff in 2007. I am a member of many medical societies and the author of peer-reviewed scientific articles, chapters, and reviews.
I am at the Main Campus in Manhattan Monday through Thursday, and I see patients every Friday at our Basking Ridge, New Jersey, location.
A gynecologic (GY-neh-kuh-LAH-jik) surgeon is a doctor with special training in surgery on the female reproductive system. This includes the cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
My Specialties
- Gynecologic Cancers (Cervical, Uterine, Ovarian)
- Complex Benign Gynecologic Conditions
- Fertility-Sparing Radical Trachelectomy
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Education
- MD, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Residencies
- Obstetrics and Gynecology - Beth Israel Medical Center
Awards and Honors
- Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor - 5 Years
- Castle Connolly: America's Top Doctors (2015-2023)
- 2021 Top Reviewers, International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer (2021)
- Castle Connolly: New York Magazine Top Doctors (2021, 2017)
- Reviewer of the Month, International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer (2019)
- NJ BIZ Healthcare Heroes Physician of the Year finalist (2017)
- Best Doctors in America® distinction, Best Doctors Inc. (2007-2016)
- Fellow (FACS), American College of Surgeons (2014)
- Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing, Gynecologic Oncology Case Reports (2013)
- Named a "Top Oncologist in New York," International Association of Oncologists (IAO [2013])
- Honorable Mention Scientific Paper/Gynecology, SLS-MIRA-SRS Joint Annual Meeting & Endo Expo (2012)
- Recognized as one of “America’s Most Compassionate Doctors, The Patients’ Choice recognition program (PatientsChoice.org [2012])
- Named in Consumers’ Research Council of America’s “Guide to America’s Top Oncologists” (2010, 2007)
- Scope of Excellence Award, Kaleidoscope of Hope Foundation (2010)
- Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals (2010)
- Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology National Faculty Award, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (2006)
- Michael E. Burt Award for Clinical Excellence, Department of Surgery, MSKCC (2004)
- Merit Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology 38th Annual Meeting (2002)
- Outstanding Poster Award, New York Obstetrical Society (2002)
- Best Poster Presentation Award, Glaxo Smith Kline National Gynecologic Oncology Fellows Forum (2002)
- Outstanding Fellow Paper Award, New York Obstetrical Society (2001)
- Berlex Best Teaching Resident Award, Beth Israel Medical Center (1998)
Fellowships
- Gynecologic Oncology - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Board Certifications
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Gynecologic Oncology
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Contact and Location
Dr. Leitao, Jr. sees patients at two locations.
Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.
Colleagues
Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Investigated by Dr. Leitao, Jr.
- A Phase II Study Assessing Radiation Therapy and Cisplatin Chemotherapy for People with Vulvar Cancer in the Sentinel Lymph Nodes
- A Study Comparing Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy and Laparotomy for Radical Hysterectomy in People with Cervical Cancer
Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.
You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.
Search clinical trialsResearch and Publications
Salvo G, Ramirez PT, Leitao MM, Cibula D, Wu X, Falconer H, Persson J, Perrotta M, Mosgaard BJ, Kucukmetin A, Berlev I, Rendon G, Liu K, Vieira M, Capilna ME, Fotopoulou C, Baiocchi G, Kaidarova D, Ribeiro R, Pedra-Nobre S, Kocian R, Li X, Li J, Palsdottir K, Noll F, Rundle S, Ulrikh E, Hu Z, Gheirghe M, Saso S, Bolatbekova R, Tsunoda A, Pitcher B, Wu J, Urbauer D, Pareja R. Open versus minimally invasive radiacal trachelectomy in early-stage cervical cancer: International Radical Trachelectomy Assessment Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022;226:97.e1-97.e16.
Manning-Geist B, Chi DS, Long Roche K, Zivanovic O, Sonoda Y, Gardner GJ, O’Cearbhaill RE, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao MM Jr. Quaternary and beyond cytoreduction: an updated and expanded analysis. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2021 Aug 24;37:100851. doi: 10.1016/j.gore.2021.100851. eCollection 2021 Aug. PMID: 34485661
Wenzel L, Osann K, McKinney C, Cella D, Fulci G, Scroggins MJ, Lankes HA, Wang V, Nephew KP, Maxwell GL, Mok SC, COnrads TP, Miller A, Mannel RS, Gray HJ, Hanjani P, Huh WK, Spirtos N, Leitao MM, Glaser G, Sharma SK, Santin AD, Sperduto P, Lele SB, Burger RA, Monk BJ, Birrer M. Quality of life and adverse events: prognostic relationships in long-term ovarian cancer survival. J Natl Cancer Inst 2021;113:1369-1378.
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Manning-Geist B, Chi DS, Long Roche K, Zivanovic O, Sonoda Y, Gardner GJ, O’Cearbhaill RE, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao MM Jr. Tertiary cytoreduction for recurrent ovarian carcinoma: an updated and expanded analysis. Gynecol Oncol 2021;162:345-352.
Leitao MM Jr, Zhou QC, Schiavone MB, Cowan RA, Smith ES, Iasonos A, Veith M, Rafizadeh M, Curran K, Ramesh B, Chang K, Chi DS, Sonoda Y, Brown AK, Cosin JA, Abu-Rustum NR, Martino MA, Mueller JJ, Long Roche K, Jewell EL, Broach V, Lambrou NC, Diaz JP, Zivanovic O. Prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy in postoperative incision management: a randomized clinical trial. Obstet Gynecol 2021;137:334-341.
Moloney K, Janda MM, Frumovitz M, Leitao M Jr, Abu-Rustum N, Rossi E, Nicklin JL, Plante M, Lecuru F, Buda A, Mariani A, Leung Y, Ferguson S, Pareja R, Kimmig R, Tong PSY, McNally O, Chetty N, Kaijiang L, Jaaback K, Lau J, Ng J, Falconer H, Persson J, Land R, Martinelli F, Garrett A, Altman A, Pendlebury A, Cibula D, Altamirano-Assad R, Brennan D, Ind T, de Kroon C, Tse KY, Hanna GB, Obermair A. Development of a surgical competency assessment tool for sentinel lymph node dissection by minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2021;31:647-655.
Stasenko M, Jayakumaran G, Cowan R, Broach V, Chi D, Rossi A, Hollman T, Zehir A, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao Jr MM. Genomic alterations as potential therapeutic targets in extramammary paget’s disease of the vulva. JCO Precis Oncol 2020 Sep 15;4:PO.20.00073. doi:10.1200/PO.20.00073.
Zivanovic O, Chen L, Vickers A, Straubhar A, Baser R, Veith M, Aiken N, Carter J, Curran K, Simon B, Mueller J, Jewell E, Chi D, Sonoda Y, Abu-Rustum N, Leitao Jr MM. Electronic patient-reported symptom monitoring in patients recovering from ambulatory minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: a prospective pilot study. Gynecol Oncol 2020;159:187-194.
Brandt B, Sioulas V, Basaran D, Kuhn T, LaVigne K, Gardner GJ, Sonoda Y, Chi DS, Roche KCL, Mueller JJ, Jewell EL, Broach VA, Zivanovic O, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao Jr MM. Minimally invasive surgery versus laparotomy for radical hysterectomy in the management of early-stage cervical cancer: survival outcomes. Gynecol Oncol 2020;156:591-597.
Chase DM, Huang HQ, Monk BJ, Ramondetta LM, Penson RT, Gil K, Landrum LM, Leitao MM, Oaknin A, Huh WK, Pulaski HL, Robison K, Guntupalli SR, Richardson D, Salani R, Sill MW, Wenzel LB, Tewari KS. Patient-reported outcomes at discontinuation of anti-angiogenesis therapy in the randomized trial of chemotherapy with bevacizumab for advanced cervical cancer: An NRG Oncology Group study. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2020;30:596-601.
Leitao Jr MM, Zhou QC, Gomez-Hidalgo NR, Iasonos A, Baser R, Mezzancello M, Chang K, Ward J, Chi DS, Long K, Sonoda Y, Brown CL, Mueller J, Gardner G, Jewell E, Broach V, Zivanovic O, Dowdy SC, Mariani A, Abu-Rustum NR. Patient reported outcomes after surgery for endometrial carcinoma: prevalence of lower extremity lymphedema after sentinel lymph node mapping compared to lymphadenectomy. Gynecol Oncol 2020;156:147-153.
Schlappe BA, Weaver AL, McGree ME, Ducie J, Eriksson AGZ, Dowdy SC, Cliby WA, Glaser GE, Abu-Rustum NR, Mariani A, Leitao Jr MM. Multicenter study comparing oncologic outcomes after lymph node assessment via a sentinel lymph node algorithm versus comprehensive pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in patients with serous and clear cell endometrial carcinoma. Gynecol Oncol 2020;156:62-69.
Cybulska P, Sioulas V, Orfanelli T, Zivanovic O, Mueller JJ, Broach VA, Roche KL, Sonoda Y, Hensley ML, O’Cearbhaill RE, Chi DS, Alektiar KM, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao M. Secondary surgical resection for patients with recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma. Gynecol Oncol 2019;154:333-337.
Aloisi A, Tseng JH, Sandadi S, Callery R, Feinberg J, Kuhn T, Gardner GJ, Sonoda Y, Brown CL, Jewell EL, Barakat RR, Leitao Jr MM. Is robotic-assisted surgery safe in the elderly population? An analysis of gynecologic procedures in patients ≥65 years old. Ann Surg Oncol 2019;26:244-251.
Schlappe BA, Weaver AL, Ducie JA, Eriksson AGZ, Dowdy SC, Cliby WA, Glaser GE, Soslow RA, Alektiar KM, Makker V, Abu-Rustum NR, Mariani A, Leitao M. Multicenter study comparing oncologic outcomes between two nodal assessment methods in patients with deeply invasive endometrioid endometrial carcinoma: a sentinel lymph node algorithm versus a comprehensive pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Gynecol Oncol 2018;151:235-242.
Tseng JH, Aloisi A, Sonoda Y, Gardner GJ, Zivanovic O, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao MM Jr. Long-term oncologic outcomes of uterine-preserving surgery in young women with stage IB1 cervical cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2018;28:1350-1359.
Ducie JA, Eriksson AGZ, Ali N, McGree ME, Weaver AL, Bogani G, Cliby WA, Dowdy SC, Bakkum-Gamez JN, Soslow RA, Keeney GL, Abu-Rustum NR, Mariani A, Leitao Jr MM. Comparison of a sentinel lymph node mapping algorithm and a comprehensive lymphadenectomy for the detection of stage IIIC disease in endometrial carcinomas at higher risk for nodal disease. Gynecol Oncol 2017;147:541-548.
Eriksson AGZ, Graul A, Yu MC, Halko A, Chi DS, Zivanovic O, Gardner GJ, Sonoda Y, Barakat RR, Abu-Rustum NR, Leitao Jr MM. Minimal access surgery compared to laparotomy for secondary surgical cytoreduction in patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma: perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Gynecol Oncol 2017;146:263-267.
Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Leitao, Jr.’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
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Disclosures
Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.
MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.
Mario M. Leitao, Jr. discloses the following relationships and financial interests:
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Anderson Murphy Hopkins, LLP
Professional Services and Activities -
Ethicon
Professional Services and Activities -
Intuitive Surgical Inc.
Professional Services and Activities
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MJH Life Sciences
Professional Services and Activities -
McDaniel Law Firm
Professional Services and Activities -
Medtronic
Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)
If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.
The information published here is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.
This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2022 through disclosure submission in spring 2023). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.
Learn more about MSK’s COI policies here. For questions regarding MSK’s COI-related policies and procedures, email MSK’s Compliance Office at [email protected].
