Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Carla Kantara

Biography

Dr. Kantara received her Ph.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch in the field of Cancer and Stem Cell Research. Dr. Kantara has made significant contributions to the field; a few of her research achievements include: 1) Discovery of significant phenotypic and morphological differences between isogenic normal and cancer stem cells, 2) Detection of Circulating Cancer Stem Cells (CCSC) as a Novel Diagnostic Approach for Early Stage Metastatic Colon Cancers and Relapse, and 3) Development of a novel combinatory therapeutic using chemodietary agents and cancer stem cells targets. Her research work has been published in high impact journals such as Gastroenterology and Cancer Research and cited by national and international research groups. Dr. Kantara’s current research focuses on examining the effects of an investigational drug, known as TP508, as a mitigator of radiotherapy-induced tissue damage and lethal effects of radiation exposure. More specifically, she is examining the effects of TP508 on intestinal stem cells and neuroprogenitor cells post-radiation exposure and the effects of TP508 on brain cancer cells post radiotherapy. Dr. Kantara is the recipient of 30 academic and research awards since 2010, including the Excellence Award for Research Oncology, Outstanding Award for Clinical and Translation Research, and the Excellence in Professionalism Award. She currently serves as an editorial member and expert reviewer for several journals including the Journal of Cancer Stem Cell Research, the Journal of Cancer Research and Experimental Oncology, the Journal Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, and the Journal of Radiation Oncology and Clinical Research. Dr. Kantara is also a member of numerous scientific organizations, such as the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the Radiation Research Society. She also serves as the Chair of the Committee for Career Development at UTMB and the Chair of the Academic Enterprise Subcommittee for the UTMB Diversity Council.

Research Interest

Dr. Kantara’s current research focuses on examining the effects of an investigational drug, known as TP508, as a mitigator of radiotherapy-induced tissue damage and lethal effects of radiation exposure.