Dr Nick Orr

Complex traits, including susceptibility to most common types of cancer, are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. We characterise risk factors for breast cancer by utilising data and biological materials collected from participants in the Breakthrough Generations Study and the Breakthrough Male Breast Cancer Study. In particular, we aim to gain a better understanding of the aetiology and biology of breast cancer by exploring gender-specific similarities and differences in the mechanisms by which inherited genetic variation influences risk of the disease. In addition, we are initiating pharmacogenetic studies that explore the contributions of genetics to adverse drug reactions and response to treatment in cancer patients.

Dr Nick Orr studied for his BSc in Molecular Biology and PhD in Haematology and Genetics at the Queen’s University of Belfast and his Graduate Diploma in Statistics at University College London. He joined the US National Cancer Institute as a postdoctoral fellow in 2005 to work on the genetic epidemiology of prostate and breast cancer. He joined ICR as a staff scientist in 2008 and was appointed to the position of Career Development Faculty in 2012.

Dr Orr’s research focuses on investigating the contribution and mechanisms of action of inherited genetic variation to breast cancer risk in women and men. Recently his team has begun to explore the possibility of using germline genetic information to predict response to treatment in cancer patients (pharmacogenetics).