Dr Mroz's early research interests included translational applications of photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment as well as investigating the role of tumor-associated antigens and T regulatory cells in anti-tumor immune response. Currently, his research interests are focused on two areas: Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. ddPCR has the potential to become an especially valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in hematologic malignancies like acute lymphoblastic leukemia or acute myeloid leukemia as it may allow for earlier detection of relapse or persistence of disease. Next-generation DNA sequencing is beginning to be applied in the initial diagnosis and classification of a growing number of malignancies. Dr Mroz has experience in the clinical application of NGS but wants to focus on developing new translational applications for NGS in the research setting that over time can be brought to the clinic.
