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Jose Costa, MD, FACP

Professor Emeritus of Pathology and Senior Research Scientist

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Jose Costa, MD, FACP

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Research Summary

I am interested in understanding the forces driving tumor formation and tumor progression. Using clues from clinical observation, experimental models and in silico simulations, I formulate hypotheses that can then be tested either in the laboratory or in the clinic. For example, the theory that carcinogenesis is a micro-evolutionary process best described by metapopulation dynamics provides a framework for understanding the origins of tumor heterogeneity and explains the reason for the long term failures of some therapies. It also demonstrates how intermediate disturbance can favor the emergence and progression of tumors without significant increase in mutational rate. Theory also suggests that inhibiting the so-called capacitors of evolution may be a useful intervention to increase the therapeutic effect of some of the anticancer agents used in the clinic. Most recently, I have become interested in the interactions between clones present in normal tissue and the immune system.

Specialized Terms: Oncology; Carcinogenesis; Tumor development and progression; Advanced diagnostics; Molecular diagnostics; Diagnosed genetic alterations in tumors; Cancer risk detection by mutational load distribution analysis

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Research Interests

Bone Neoplasms; Medical Oncology; Pathology; Precancerous Conditions; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Translational Research, Biomedical

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