Cesar Castro

My research endeavors seek to bridge advances in novel technologies and therapeutics with current clinical oncology needs.

Prior formal intensive training in biomedical research design at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and at the National Institutes of Health places me in a unique position to translate advances in the lab to the bedside. Moreover, I have broadened my skill set in clinical investigation by completing the Scholars in Clinical Science Program, a two year structured training curriculum that led to a Master of Medical Sciences from Harvard Medical School.

I also completed a clinical fellowship in Oncology through the Dana-Farber / Partners Cancer Care Program.

This breadth of clinical training exposed me to the day to day quandaries across the spectrum of solid and hematological tumors.

As I refine my oncology focus to solid tumors, notably ovarian cancers under the auspices of Prof. Michael J. Birrer and pancreatic tumors, I am poised to ask further challenging clinical questions in need of innovative solutions. Previously, I was involved with nanoparticle MRI imaging research at the National Cancer Institute where I truly first appreciated the meaning of interdisciplinary. I continue the spirit of this approach as an investigator in the MGH Center for Systems Biology led by Prof. Ralph Weissleder.

My objectives are to refine and translate novel molecular imaging and nanosensing tactics into solid tumors. Notably, for ovarian carcinomas these include micro-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance technology and for pancreatic tumors, novel combo PET tracer - therapeutics.

My daily research interactions involve an amalgam of chemists, material scientists, physicists, and clinicians as we continue to strive for interdisciplinary, innovative solutions to tackle biological problems plaguing cancer researchers.