Castro Lab
Read BioOur lab conducts translational oncology research through early stage clinical studies inspired by nanotechnologies, systems biology, and biomarker driven therapies. We focus on solid tumors with an emphasis on highly lethal subtypes such as ovarian cancers. We subscribe to both “high-tech” and “low-tech” theranostic approaches that leverage innovative advances within CSB. To date, these efforts have generated traction both domestically and abroad. We are currently establishing a comprehensive multi-departmental program to prospectively profile gynecologic cancers including multi-omics (sequencing, proteomics, liquid biopsies), pathology (digital and multiplexed profiling), imaging and clinical phenotypes. We seek to ultimately advance cancer theranostics by better understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of cancers and uncovering novel treatment response readouts using integrated machine learning and statistical inferences. Our work has been externally funded by the National Cancer Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, V Foundation for Cancer Research, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, and the Department of Defense.
Recent Publications
Song J, Cho MH, Cho H, Song Y, Lee SW, Nam HC, Yoon TH, Shin JC, Hong JS, Kim Y, Ekanayake E, Jeon J, You DG, Im SG, Choi GS, Park JS, Carter BC, Balaj L, Seo AN, Miller MA, Park SY, Kang T, Castro CM, Lee H Amplifying mutational profiling of extracellular vesicle mRNA with SCOPE. Nat Biotechnol. 2024;:ePub - PMID: 39375445 - DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02426-6
Owokuhaisa J, Turyakira E, Ssedyabane F, Tusubira D, Kajabwangu R, Musinguzi P, Galiwango M, Randall TC, Kakongi N, Castro CM, Atukunda EC, Maling S Barriers and facilitators of retention in care after cervical cancer screening: patients' and healthcare providers' perspectives. BMC Womens Health. 2024;24(1):516 - PMID: 39272088 - PMCID: PMC11401415 - DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03343-1
Lee CY, Kim H, Degani I, Lee H, Sandoval A, Nam Y, Pascavis M, Park HG, Randall T, Ly A, Castro CM, Lee H Empowering the on-site detection of nucleic acids by integrating CRISPR and digital signal processing. Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):6271 - PMID: 39054353 - PMCID: PMC11272939 - DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50588-3
Arai MS, Kim H, Pascavis M, Cha B, Brambilla G, Cho YK, Park J, Vilela RRC, de Camargo ASS, Castro CM, Lee H Upconverting Nanoparticle-based Enhanced Luminescence Lateral-Flow Assay for Urinary Biomarker Monitoring. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2024;16(29):38243-38251 - PMID: 38980927 - DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06117
Ssedyabane F, Obuku EA, Namisango E, Ngonzi J, Castro CM, Lee H, Randall TC, Ocan M, Apunyo R, Annet Kinengyere A, Kajabwangu R, Tahirah Kisawe A, Nambi Najjuma J, Tusubira D, Niyonzima N The diagnostic accuracy of serum and plasma microRNAs in detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecol Oncol Rep. 2024;54:101424 - PMID: 38939506 - PMCID: PMC11208915 - DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101424
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