FRIENDSWOOD, Texas, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Castle Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSTL), a company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care, today announced the publication of a study showing that its TissueCypher® Barrett’s Esophagus Test helped guide risk-aligned management decisions for patients with non-dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (NDBE). In the study, clinicians changed their management recommendations 90% of the time after receiving TissueCypher results, including escalating management for all patients with intermediate- or high-risk results and de-escalating management for 84% of those with low-risk results.

The study, titled “The Tissue Systems Pathology Test Guides Physician Recommendations for Patients With Non-Dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus: A Case Series From a Gastrointestinal Surgery Center,” was published in Foregut: The Journal of the American Foregut Society and is available here.

“All patients in this study had the same non-dysplastic Barrett’s diagnosis, but TissueCypher showed that their risk of progression differed,” said study author Caitlin C. Houghton, M.D., board-certified foregut surgeon at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. “The test results helped us tailor management to each patient’s individual risk — whether that meant closer surveillance or endoscopic eradication therapy for patients with intermediate- or high-risk results, or a longer surveillance interval for those with low-risk results. Ultimately, TissueCypher can help us detect patients at increased risk who may benefit from earlier surveillance or treatment and avoid unnecessary procedures for patients at lower risk.”

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition that can progress to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Patients with NDBE represent the majority of those undergoing surveillance for BE and are generally considered to have a low risk of progression. However, traditional clinicopathologic factors alone may not reliably distinguish the subset of patients with NDBE who are at elevated risk of progression, highlighting the need for more precise risk stratification. To assess TissueCypher’s clinical utility in this population, the study evaluated 30 patients with NDBE who received testing as part of their clinical care at Keck Medical Center of USC.

Key Study Findings:

TissueCypher identified higher-risk patients within NDBE: The test classified 17% of patients as intermediate or high risk for progression to HGD/EAC within five years and 83% of patients as low risk.Intermediate- or high-risk results supported escalated management: Management plans were escalated for all patients with intermediate- or high-risk TissueCypher results, including endoscopic eradication therapy for four patients and shorter-interval surveillance for one.Lower-risk results supported de-escalated management: Management was de-escalated for 84% of patients with low-risk TissueCypher results, including extending surveillance intervals or no longer recommending endoscopic eradication therapy.Test results changed management or increased confidence: TissueCypher results changed management recommendations or increased physicians’ confidence in their plans for 97% of patients.

Findings from the study were also presented on Sept. 27 at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Presentation details:

Title: The Tissue Systems Pathology Test Impacts Clinician-recommended Management Decisions for Patients with Non-dysplastic Barrett’s EsophagusPresenter: Katie M. Galvin, M.D., Keck School of Medicine of USCSession: QS101-1 | Quick-Shots I – Station 1: Bariatric/Foregut

About TissueCypher Barrett’s Esophagus Test
TissueCypher is a precision medicine test designed and extensively validated to predict a patient’s personalized risk of progression from Barrett’s esophagus (BE) to high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Indicated for patients with non-dysplastic BE, indefinite for dysplasia or with low-grade dysplasia, TissueCypher’s five-year risk assessment is designed to help physicians tailor care to each patient’s risk of developing HGD or EAC.

Backed by more than 17 peer-reviewed publications and studied in biopsies from more than 8,000 patients, TissueCypher has been shown to be the strongest independent predictor of progression compared with traditional histopathological risk assessment. Using an AI-derived spatialomics approach, the test identifies molecular signatures that often precede the development of dysplasia, which can enable earlier identification, treatment, and management of patients at increased risk of cancer. TissueCypher is designed to integrate seamlessly into routine endoscopic practice by analyzing standard esophageal pinch biopsies, delivering actionable insights without requiring additional procedures. Learn more at CastleBiosciences.com/TissueCypher.

About Castle Biosciences
Castle Biosciences (Nasdaq: CSTL) is a leading diagnostics company improving health through innovative tests that guide patient care. With a primary focus in dermatologic and gastroenterological disease, we develop personalized, clinically actionable solutions that help improve disease management and patient outcomes.

We put people first—empowering patients and clinicians and informing care decisions through rigorous science and advanced molecular tests that support more confident treatment planning. To learn more, visit www.CastleBiosciences.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X. 

DecisionDx-Melanoma, DecisionDx-CMSeq, i31-SLNB, i31-ROR, DecisionDx-SCC, MyPath Melanoma, AdvanceAD-Tx, TissueCypher, Esopredict, DecisionDx-UM, DecisionDx-PRAME and DecisionDx-UMSeq are trademarks of Castle Biosciences, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning: TissueCypher’s ability to (i) predict a patient’s personalized risk of progression from Barrett’s esophagus to high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma, (ii) help clinicians tailor surveillance and management decisions to each patient’s individual risk profile, (iii) enable earlier identification and management of patients at increased risk of cancer, and (iv) help reduce uncertainty for patients. The words “believe,” “can,” “may” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: subsequent study or trial results and findings may contradict earlier study or trial results and findings or may not support the results obtained in these studies, including with respect to the discussion of our tests in this press release; actual application of our tests may not provide the aforementioned benefits to patients; and the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, each as filed or to be filed with the SEC, and in our other filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact:
Camilla Zuckero
czuckero@castlebiosciences.com

Media Contact:
Allison Marshall
amarshall@castlebiosciences.com

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SOURCE Castle Biosciences, Inc.

Analysis of 300,000+ employees finds review forms shrinking, check-ins multiplying, and AI adoption quadrupling in the last 12 months.

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — PerformYard, the AI-powered performance management and talent development platform, today released its 2027 State of HR Report.

Drawing on anonymized data from 300,000+ employees, the report documents a change: performance management is shifting from a once-a-year exercise to a steady flow of interactions. Organizations gathering the most information, most frequently, have higher review completion rates, better goal performance, and have been the first to put AI to work.

“We are seeing a really exciting change in how employee performance is managed,” said Sean Dunn, CEO of PerformYard. “Over the last few years we’ve observed a shift toward ongoing performance conversations throughout the year. More touchpoints means more opportunities to coach employees, which leads to quicker career development and tangible organizational output.”

The review is getting smaller. Performance management is getting bigger.

Analyzing data from 2022-2026 shows that the typical performance review now has fewer questions, from 17 to 14. Rather than producing less information, the shorter review produced more: the typical written answer from an employee grew 25% longer over the period.

How often you check in matters more than how much you ask.

The report introduces a simple metric: performance touchpoints per employee, counting every review, goal, piece of feedback, and 1:1 meeting recorded for a person in a year. Organizations recording eight or more touchpoints per employee complete 94% of their reviews; those recording one touchpoint complete just 76%.

The largest single step is the second review cycle. Moving from one cycle a year to two raises the review completion rate from 84% to 90%, and organizations running three or more cycles finish each review 28% faster than those running one review.

The best programs do more reviews, more often.

The quartile of organizations with the highest goal completion rates run four review cycles a year and set 5x as many goals as the quartile with the lowest completion goal rates.

Managers are the biggest bottleneck.

In organizations where managers average 12 or more direct reports, goal completion rates are 54% lower than in organizations where they have 3-5 direct reports per manager. When asked why reviews don’t get finished, 45% of surveyed organizations said managers forget or deprioritize them, a far more common response than other issues like manual work (14%) or employee resistance (13%).

“Managers don’t slow down performance reviews on purpose. That said, managers are the natural bottleneck. They hold the pen for every direct report,” said Jesse Nichols, VP of People Operations at PerformYard. “Every leader I talk to wants to develop their teams faster, but the best organizations are doing it by making life easy for managers. They’re running frequent, small check-ins instead of solely relying on a big annual review.”

AI went from experiment to default in 12 months.

In 2025, 14.5% of organizations regularly used PerformYard AI. By September 2026, 56% were using PerformYard AI to analyze performance, including 91% of organizations with 750+ employees. The organizations that use AI tend to write longer review answers, signaling that AI is enhancing manager feedback as opposed to replacing it.

Outside the platform, the annual review is alive and well

Among 300+ surveyed organizations that do not use PerformYard, 51% run reviews on spreadsheets, PDFs, or paper; 52% give formal feedback once a year; and 87% grade their own process a C or D.

What the report recommends for 2027

Keep reviews around 10 to 15 questions, with some open-ended questions included.Add a mid-year review cycle. It’s the most impactful addition you can make as an HR leader.Decide where AI fits. Making AI a part of the review cycle enhances managers’ output and coaching ability.

The full report is available at www.performyard.com/state-of-hr-report

Methodology

Customer findings are based on anonymized, aggregated PerformYard product data from 2014 to 2026. Survey findings come from 300+ organizations that completed PerformYard’s online Performance Management Grader, answering questions about how they run reviews, goals, and feedback; answers are self-reported.

About PerformYard

PerformYard is an AI-powered performance management and talent development platform built for HR teams that want flexibility without complexity. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, PerformYard brings performance management and talent development into one AI-first system, backed by a dedicated customer success manager for every account.

Learn more at www.performyard.com

Media Contact

Drew Detzler, PerformYard, 1 (888) 745-0761, ddetzler@performyard.com, performyard.com

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SOURCE PerformYard

HONG KONG, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PhotonPay, the next-generation financial operating system, today announced the launch of its local collection accounts in Nigeria and Ghana. This rollout enables global businesses to collect Nigerian naira (NGN) and Ghanaian cedi (GHS), providing a compliant and efficient channel for cross-border fund settlement across West Africa.

As global trade deepens its integration with high-growth regions, West Africa stands out as a critical hub for international expansion. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigeria’s economic growth is projected at 4.1% in 2026, solidifying its position as an economic powerhouse driven by a massive consumer base and a rapidly scaling digital economy. Concurrently, Ghana is experiencing strong momentum. The country recorded a robust 6% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2026, tracked by Ghana Statistical Service. Together, these two markets form the commercial backbone of West Africa, offering significant opportunities for globally minded enterprises.

However, entering these markets often introduces complex operational friction. Cross-border fund flows into emerging markets can involve extended settlement cycles and elevated foreign exchange volatility, which create uncertainty in cost management and erode business margins. Account entity mismatches during international transfers can further trigger compliance reviews or risk-control blocks, delaying cash flows and straining trust between trading partners.

To resolve these settlement challenges, PhotonPay is expanding its emerging market infrastructure with local collection accounts in Nigeria and Ghana, working through established banking partnerships to optimize the flow of capital across both markets.

Key Benefits of PhotonPay’s Nigeria and Ghana Collection Accounts

Local Accounts in Your Business Name

Businesses can open local collection accounts in Nigeria and Ghana under their own business names. Same-name matching ensures inbound funds align with local compliance requirements on both sides of the transaction.

Collect Directly in NGN and GHS

Payments are received in local currency through domestic clearing networks. This removes the settlement lag introduced by cross-border routing and gives businesses cleaner control over what they actually receive.

Accelerated Capital Flow

By routing collections through localized infrastructure, businesses can reduce conventional settlement delays, shortening the collection cycle from days to hours and dramatically improving working capital efficiency.

Risk Management and FX Capabilities

PhotonPay’s AI-driven risk engine continuously monitors transactions to ensure strict regulatory compliance, while its FX capabilities empower businesses to mitigate currency volatility through automated, transparent conversions.

“To build a truly global enterprise today, companies need native financial connectivity in the exact markets where their next million buyers reside. Building upon our successful integration of local clearing networks in Kenya and South Africa, bringing Nigeria and Ghana into our ecosystem provides businesses with a formidable competitive advantage across the African continent. This deep, localized reach makes PhotonPay the definitive infrastructure for companies targeting emerging market expansion.”
— Chao, VP of Product, PhotonPay

As businesses increasingly look beyond traditional markets for new sources of growth, localized payment architecture will remain a decisive competitive advantage. With the strategic addition of Nigeria and Ghana to its global financial network, PhotonPay continues to bridge the gap between global ambition and local execution.

About PhotonPay

PhotonPay is a stablecoin-powered financial operating system built for global infrastructure. Designed for modern enterprises, PhotonPay enables businesses to send, receive, convert, and settle funds across both fiat and stablecoin rails through a single, compliance-first integration, spanning 200+ countries and territories.

For more information, visit [www.photonpay.com].

Disclaimer
This material is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, tax, accounting, or investment advice, nor an offer or solicitation for any product or service. The availability, features, and regulatory treatment of PhotonPay’s products and services may vary depending on the user’s location, business model, and the laws and regulations that apply. Any descriptions of functionality, performance, efficiency, cost savings, or compliance support (including, without limitation, references to “real-time”, “24/7”, “high-efficiency”, or “compliant” solutions) are aspirational or forward-looking in nature. Actual outcomes may differ due to market conditions, technological constraints, and regulatory developments, and PhotonPay makes no express or implied representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the achievement of any particular result.

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SOURCE PhotonPay