Dr. Matias A. Bustos, PhD, is an Assistant Professor and head of the Department of Translational & Precision Medicine. Over the past ten years at Saint John’ Cancer Institute, Dr. Bustos has dedicated his expertise to advancing the diagnosis, prevention, and identification of key genes and gene-networks contributing to cancer resistance to therapies. As a passionate researcher, he possesses a robust background in molecular biology, complemented by significant experience in translational research in different solid tumors. The research studies are designed to equip physicians and medical oncologists with actionable insights to address current challenges in clinical management and treatment of cancer.
Mentorship and Collaborative Work at SJCI
Dr. Bustos has received the mentorship of Dr. Dave S. B. Hoon, a recognized authority in liquid biopsy and translational research. Dr. Hoon’s extensive background in bridging breakthrough technologies and research has greatly influenced Dr. Bustos’s approach and expertise.
Dr. Bustos maintains a close working relationship with the Department of Urology and Urologic Oncology, collaborating under the guidance of Drs. Timothy Wilson and Jennifer Linehan. Both Dr. Wilson and Dr. Linehan are prominent and highly respected surgeons, recognized for their long-standing careers and significant achievements in their respective fields. Their joint research centers on investigating the molecular signatures of urological tumors, with a focus on two primary objectives. The first objective is the early diagnosis of Prostate Cancer (PCa) and Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) through the utilization of urine and blood as non-invasive sources for diagnostic testing. The second objective involves identifying novel targets aimed at reversing aggressive disease behavior, with the goal of improving treatment outcomes for patients with PCa.
Additionally, Dr. Bustos is engaging in a significant collaboration with Dr. Kim Margolin, a world-renowned medical oncologist recognized for her expertise in advanced stage melanoma and melanoma brain metastasis. This partnership is supported by The Brown Foundation and focuses on investigating the regulatory networks and specific cell types involved in distant metastasis. Together, Dr. Margolin and Dr. Bustos are working to identify the mechanisms that enable metastatic tumors to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. Their joint research aims to provide deeper insights into the complexities of immunotherapy resistance and the tumor ecosystem, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective treatment strategies for patients with advanced melanoma.
Expanding the Boundaries in Providence Enterprise in an effort to Modernize the SJCI Biorepository
More recently, Dr. Bustos has initiated collaborative efforts with esteemed researchers Dr. Brian Peining and Dr. Fox from the Earle Childs Research Institute in Portland and one of the three research hubs of Providence System. These partnerships mark a pivotal step in advancing the scope and impact of ongoing research projects and collaborations.
Dr. Bustos is taking a leadership role in broadening the scope of research infrastructure within Providence Enterprise, specifically through the modernization of the Biorepository at SJCI. These efforts represent a pivotal advancement for the institute, aiming to integrate a comprehensive multi-omic approach into biorepository operations. This modernization will focus on combining clinical data assessment with the systematic collection and analysis of biological specimens. To achieve these objectives, the initiative will employ next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, spatial analytical methods, and digital pathology. By leveraging these cutting-edge tools, the Biorepository will be equipped to support innovative research initiatives and deliver data-driven insights, thereby significantly enhancing the capacity for translational and precision medicine studies at SJCI.
Professional Memberships, Research Leadership, and Publications
Dr. Bustos is an active member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) and the Society of Immunotherapy Cancer (SITC). He participates regularly in AACR and SITC meetings, where he presents findings from his various studies. In the past two years, his research contributions have been recognized by the Minorities in Cancer Research (MICR) committee of the AACR, who have honored him with awards for his work and contributions.
Despite being in the early stages of his career, Dr. Bustos has already led or developed 60 research studies, including book chapters. Several of these have been published in high-impact journals, including Nature Communications, Clinical Cancer Research, and Cell, among others.