Erik P. Castle, M.D.

The research interests of Erik P. Castle, M.D., include prostate cancer, bladder cancer and kidney cancer.

He is the director of the Desert Mountain Care Prostate Cancer Research Fund and the principal investigator of his laboratory, which is housed at the Samuel C. Johnson Research Building at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

Focus areas

• Basic science research. Dr. Castle's basic science research is focused on novel secondary hormonal therapies for prostate cancer and apoptotic pathways related to manipulations of the androgen and estrogen receptors. In addition, he is performing research into the genomics of prostate and bladder cancer, as well as into inflammatory mediators of intravesical therapy of bladder cancer.
• Outcomes research. Dr. Castle directs the outcomes research of robotic and laparoscopic surgery for prostate, bladder and kidney cancer at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
• Urologic oncology biorepository. Dr. Castle is the principal investigator coordinating the ongoing urologic oncology biorepository, which prospectively collects tissues, urine and blood from all patients undergoing surgery for genitourinary cancers.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Castle's current research will hopefully provide insight into various aspects of cancer diagnostics and treatment.

For example, the prostate cancer research has resulted in the creation of a trial for patients with advanced prostate cancer, and it will hopefully result in a new treatment that is more widely available to other patients.

The outcomes research allows Dr. Castle and his colleagues to better evaluate the results of different treatment modalities, as well as find areas of improvement and new surgical approaches.

The urologic oncology biorepository enables Dr. Castle and his collaborators to identify new biomarkers for genitourinary cancers and improve overall cancer care for their patients.

Professional highlights

• Director, International Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Program, American Urological Association, 2008-present
• Associate Editor, Journal of Robotic Surgery, 2010-present
• Voting Member, Laparoscopic, Robotic and New Surgical Technology Committee, American Urological Association, 2010-present
• Member, Microscopic Hematuria Guidelines Committee, American Urological Association, 2010-2012
• President, Society of Urologic Robotic Surgeons, 2009-2010