Getting to know Castle Biosciences with Dr. Kat Alsina



A Cure in Sight is joined on The Eye Believe Podcast by Dr. Katherina Alsina (she goes by Kat), who is Associate Director of the uveal melanoma division at Castle Biosciences. Castle is a commercial stage diagnostics company that is focused on providing physicians and their patients with personalized, clinically actionable information to make more accurate treatment decisions.
 
In this brief discussion, Kat shares the origin and history of Castle Biosciences, how they got started, and how their DecisionDX UM testing was their first molecular test. All of Castle’s Uveal Melanoma relevant tests are discussed, as well as options the testing affords patients in surveillance care. The research behind the biopsy tests is briefly explained, as well as ways that Castle ensures patients have the financial aid for these tests. International testing is also touched on!

See below the contact information for the financial aid discussed:

Physicians and patients can get more information about insurance coverage, claims processing, and financial assistance by calling 866-788-9007 and selecting option #3.
 
To access the lists of currently recruiting clinical trials which are compiled by Castle’s UM team and updated quarterly, go to https://myuvealmelanoma.com/ and click on the “Helpful Resources” tab, then click on “Clinical Trials”
 
To access the lists of currently recruiting clinical trials which are compiled by Castle’s UM team and updated quarterly, go to https://myuvealmelanoma.com/ and click on the “Helpful Resources” tab, then click on “Clinical Trials”

Kat expresses how Castle Biosciences “has a patient oriented approach in everything we do, and that has been especially rewarding” in their work.  
 
Thank you again to Castle Biosciences for their continued work for patients with rare diseases like Ocular Melanoma.

Announcements

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and Healthy Vision month! Any time you share one of our social media posts or podcasts to inform friends and family you are making an impact in sharing and spreading awareness for ocular melanoma with us! 

Thank you to all who participated in Eye Patch Days!

As summer begins, ensure you are following safe sun practices for both your eyes, and your skin!

You don’t have fur – so make sure you cover up to keep your skin safe. Take these small steps to sun safety:
 
sunscreen
sunglasses
shade
protective clothing
 
Remember! The best sunscreen is the sunscreen you’ll use. Practice sun safe habits and wear sunscreen every day.
 
Your coolness factor goes up with sunscreen and shade!
 
**To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer from overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. (In collaboration with @skincancerprev )"


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The Eye Believe Podcast is brought to you by Castle Biosciences. Castle Biosciences is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. The Company aims to transform disease management by keeping people first: patients, clinicians, employees and investors. 
This podcast was hosted by Danet Peterson and produced by Agora Media.