Real-Time Molecular Diagnosis of Tumors Using Water-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Technology

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.09.009
• Publication Date: 2018-10-18T14:51:55Z
• Authors: Philippe Saudemont; Jusal Quanico; Yves-Marie Robin; Anna Baud; Julia Balog; Benoit Fatou; Dominique Tierny; Quentin Pascal; Kevin Minier; Mélissa Pottier; Cristian Focsa; Michael Ziskind; Zoltan Takats; Michel Salzet; Isabelle Fournier
• Keywords: Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization

Histopathological diagnosis of biopsy samples and margin assessment of surgical specimens are challenging aspects in sarcoma. Using dog patient tissues, we assessed the performance of a recently developed technology for fast ex vivo molecular lipid-based diagnosis of sarcomas. The instrument is based on mass spectrometry (MS) molecular analysis through a laser microprobe operating under ambient conditions using excitation of endogenous water molecules. Classification models based on cancer/normal/necrotic, tumor grade, and subtypes showed a minimum of 97.63% correct classification. Specific markers of normal, cancer, and necrotic regions were identified by tandem MS and validated by MS imaging. Real-time detection capabilities were demonstrated by ex vivo analysis with direct interrogation of classification models.