Noralane M. Lindor, M.D.

Noralane M. Lindor, M.D. is a medical geneticist with nearly 20 years of experience in all aspects of clinical genetics.

Her research interests include cancer genetics, with an emphasis on hereditary predisposition to cancers, as well as the clinical translation of genetic findings to medical care.

Focus areas

Dr. Lindor's research focus has been on understanding the risks and risk management for those with hereditary or familial cancer predisposition. Her particular expertise involves colorectal cancers and breast cancers.

For 15 years, Dr. Lindor has been the principal investigator for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded multinational consortium now known as the Colon Cancer Family Registry.

She is also a co-investigator on:

• A Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) project looking at reclassification of DNA variants of uncertain clinical significance in the BRCA genes, and how to communicate that to the medical community
• An NIH-funded grant exploring disclosure of incidental DNA findings in the context of a pancreatic cancer registry

Significance to patient care

While the American Cancer Society has published well-thought-out guidelines for cancer screening and prevention, these are intended for individuals with average risks. For those with increased risks, different frequencies and types of cancer screening may be indicated.

Dr. Lindor, in collaboration with many investigators around the globe, is combining information so as to arrive at more-accurate estimates of risk so that improved cancer screening recommendations can be established.

In addition, the continued rapid changes in genetic testing technologies need to be integrated into clinical practice, and Dr. Lindor is working with experts in multiple disciplines to help translate these advances into medical care.

Professional highlights

• Member, Cancer Prevention Committee, American Society of Clinical Oncology
• Lemuel Herrera Memorial Lecture Award, Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer, 2006