Masashi Maekawa
Papers
1
Total Citations
23
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Masashi Maekawa is a pioneering cancer biologist whose research focuses on the molecular mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression and metastasis, with a particular emphasis on the role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). His most cited work, a 2021 study on PSMA-positive membranes secreted from prostate cancer cells, revealed a groundbreaking mechanism: these extracellular vesicles possess the potency to transform vascular endothelial cells into an angiogenic state, directly promoting tumor vascularization. This discovery, which has garnered 23 citations, provides critical insight into how aggressive prostate cancers remodel their microenvironment to support growth and spread. Dr. Maekawa’s contributions are especially significant in the context of modern diagnostics, as his work helps explain the clinical success of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging in detecting metastatic and castration-resistant disease. By elucidating the functional role of PSMA beyond a mere imaging target, he has opened new avenues for understanding tumor–stroma crosstalk and potential therapeutic interventions. His research stands at the intersection of cancer cell biology and translational imaging, offering both mechanistic depth and clinical relevance for improving outcomes in advanced prostate cancer.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1