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
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 - 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
Ssedyabane F, Niyonzima N, Nambi Najjuma J, Birungi A, Atwine R, Tusubira D, Randall TC, Castro CM, Lee H, Ngonzi J Prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and associated factors among women attending a cervical cancer clinic in Western Uganda; results based on Pap smear cytology. SAGE Open Med. 2024;12:20503121241252265 - PMID: 38764539 - PMCID: PMC11100407 - DOI: 10.1177/20503121241252265
Richardson DL, Moore KN, Vergote I, Gilbert L, Martin LP, Mantia-Smaldone GM, Castro CM, Provencher D, Matulonis UA, Stec J, Wang Y, Method M, O'Malley DM Phase 1b study of mirvetuximab soravtansine, a folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, in combination with carboplatin and bevacizumab in patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2024;185:186-193 - PMID: 38447347 - DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.01.045
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