Dr. Laura Alder

About Dr. Alder

Dr. Laura Alder is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine and a thoracic oncologist at Duke Cancer Institute. She treats patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma, working as part of Duke’s multidisciplinary team that includes specialists such as surgeons and radiation oncologists. Dr. Alder also leads clinical trials testing new drugs and treatment combinations for patients with advanced thoracic cancers.

Her research focuses on improving outcomes for patients with brain metastases from lung cancer, finding better ways to use biomarker testing to guide treatment decisions and expanding access to care for women and minorities facing lung cancer. She takes time to understand each patient’s priorities and concerns, then works with them to create treatment plans aligned with their goals and values.

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Medical Education & Expertise

• Duke Cancer Institute 
• Duke University School of Medicine, Assistant Professor
• Virginia Commonwealth University (Residency)
• University of Queensland-Ochsner Health, Louisiana (M.D.)

Associations, Awards & Recognition

• Certified in Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine
• Certified in Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine
• Duke Cancer Institute Member
• Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology 
• Member, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

Why Choose Dr. Alder for Pleural Mesothelioma?

Patients choose Dr. Alder because she explains complex medical information clearly and involves them in every decision. At Duke Cancer Institute, she connects patients with comprehensive support services, advanced diagnostic tools and a team experienced in managing rare cancers like mesothelioma. Her focus on brain metastases research is particularly relevant for patients concerned about cancer spread, as she stays current on the latest strategies for preventing and treating central nervous system involvement.

Dr. Alder has specialized training in thoracic cancers, including mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. She offers access to clinical trials that may provide treatment options beyond standard chemotherapy, including studies of targeted therapies and immunotherapy combinations. This is especially valuable for mesothelioma patients, where new treatment approaches can make a meaningful difference.

Publications of Dr. Alder

• Alder, L. et al. (2025, December). Given TKIs With High CNS Penetrance, Systemic Therapy Should Be Administered Before Radiation Therapy for CNS Metastases. Retrieved from https://www.jto.org/article/S1556-0864(25)01045-7/fulltext
• Alder, L. et al. (2025, June 26). Young lung cancer: from diagnosis to survivorship. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12240950/
• Alder, L. et al. (2025, June 21). Neoadjuvant, Perioperative, and Adjuvant Immunotherapy in Early-Stage Surgically Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Updates and Future Perspectives. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12248727/
• Alder, L. et al. (2022, October 31). APOBEC Mutational Signatures in Hormone Receptor–Positive Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Breast Cancers Are Associated With Poor Outcomes on CDK4/6 Inhibitors and Endocrine Therapy. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9666120/
• Alder, L. et al. (2021, March). Clinical frailty and its effect on the septuagenarian population after emergency laparotomy. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9158232/