Areas of Interest
Dr. Castro's research program focuses on epigenetic regulation of cancer progression, uncovering the role of oncometabolites in the brain tumor microenvironment (TME), and developing new therapies for adult and pediatric gliomas, including DIPG. Her lab investigates the role of the tumor immune-microenvironment in tumor progression and its response to therapeutics, the crosstalk between cancer cells and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, and the mechanisms affecting the migration of immune cells from peripheral lymphoid organs to the tumor microenvironment. The study of these basic immunological mechanisms will lead to clinical implementation.
My program aims to develop novel treatments for brain tumors based on immunotherapeutics, a new and exciting approach that targets inhibition of tumor growth and recurrence.
Honors & Awards
- Chair, Program Committee, American Society of Cell and Gene Therapy 15th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA (2011–12)
- Appointed the R. C. Schneider Collegiate Professor of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School (2013)
- Top Female Professional in Neurosurgery and Neuroscience in Worldwide Who’s Who. Lifetime designation. Worldwide Branding, Uniondale, New York (2014)
- Appointed to the U-M President’s Advisory Commission on Women’s Issues (2014)
Published Articles or Reviews
A complete list of Dr. Castro's recent publications is located here.