SUMMARY
As a thoracic surgeon, Janani S. Reisenauer, M.D., primarily focuses on diseases of the chest. In particular, she focuses on early lung cancer risk, detection and interception, as well as novel, minimally invasive therapies for lung cancer.
Focus areas
- Risk, detection and early interception. Dr. Reisenauer is leading clinical trials focused on understanding lung cancer at cellular and molecular levels to detect patterns related to risk and recurrence.
- Minimally invasive approaches. Dr. Reisenauer's research focuses on how minimally invasive novel therapies, such as endoscopic therapies, can be used to deliver treatment options as alternatives to conventional treatments.
Significance to patient care
Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of adult men and women worldwide. Smoking is a common cause of lung cancer. But a growing number of patients who are young and don't smoke get lung cancer. Unfortunately, lung cancer often is diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Dr. Reisenauer and her colleagues are working to find better ways to detect lung cancer risk and minimize the harmful effects of a biopsy. They're working to make sure patients are seen for risks of early-stage cancer, when it's still possible to intervene. Dr. Reisenauer also is engaged on the treatment side. She takes part in many trials that explore new treatments.
Professional highlights
- Medical director, Research Innovation, Department of Business Development, Mayo Clinic, 2024-present.
- Associate chair, Innovation, Mayo Clinic, 2022-present.
- Chair, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2022-present.
- Vice chair, Innovation, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2020-2022.