Reliable identification of prostate cancer using mass spectrometry metabolomic imaging in needle core biopsies.

Metabolomic profiling can aid in understanding crucial biological processes in cancer development and progression and can also yield diagnostic biomarkers. Desorption electrospray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) has been proposed as a potential adjunct to diagnostic surgical pathology, particularly for prostate cancer. However, due to low resolution sampling, small numbers of mass spectra, and little validation, published studies have yet to test whether this method is sufficiently robust to merit clinical translation.

Improved Screening Test for Idiopathic Infantile Hypercalcemia Confirms Residual Levels of Serum 24,25-(OH) D in Affected Patients.

CYP24A1 mutations are now accepted as a cause of idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia (IIH). A rapid liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based blood test enabling measurement of the 25-OH-D :24,25-(OH) D ratio (R) can identify IIH patients on the basis of reduced C24-hydroxylation of 25-OH-D by CYP24A1 in vivo. Although values of this ratio are significantly elevated in IIH, somewhat surprisingly, serum 24,25-(OH) D remains detectable.