Mark A. Nelson

Mark A. Nelson is a Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on inflammation and tumor progression/metastasis, racial disparities in cancer, and molecular diagnosis of cancer and genetic diseases.

Key research themes include:

• Epigenetic markers for cancer detection (e.g., Sentinel-MPE liquid biopsy test)
• Immune interactions in tumor microenvironments
• Health equity and diagnostic innovation

Current projects involve:

• Cell-free DNA methylation analysis for pleural effusion diagnostics
• Interdisciplinary studies on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
• Nanoparticle-based immunotherapy development

He leads the Nelson Lab and has contributed to high-impact publications in Science, Nature Communications, and Mayo Clinic Proceedings.