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Extraction of Aqueous Metabolites from Cultured Adherent Cells for Metabolomic Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 9, 2019
Using metabolomics to monitor anticancer drugs
1St. George's University of London, UK.
Abstract:
The metabolome of a cancer cell is likely to show changes after responding to an anticancer drug. These changes could be used to decide whether to continue treatment or, in the context of a drug trial, to indicate whether the drug is working and perhaps its mechanism of action. (Nuclear) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR/MRS) methods can offer important insights into novel anticancer agents in order to accelerate the drug development process including time-course studies on the effect of a drug on its site of action (termed pharmacodynamics), in this case the cancer. In addition, some classes of anticancer agents currently under development (e.g. antiangiogenics) are designed to be used in combination with other drugs and will not cause tumour shrinkage when used as single agents in Phase 1 clinical trials. Thus NMR/MRS may have a special role in monitoring the pharmacodynamic actions of such drugs in early-phase clinical trials. This review focuses on the use of ex vivo NMR and in vivo MRS methods for monitoring the effect of some novel anticancer drugs on the cancer metabolome. Ex vivo NMR methods are complementary to in vivo measurements, as they can provide additional information and help in the interpretation of the in vivo data.
Insights
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) can track cancer cell metabolome changes in response to anticancer drugs. These methods aid in evaluating drug efficacy and guiding treatment decisions during drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Cancer cell metabolome alterations are key indicators of drug response.
- Monitoring these changes can inform treatment continuation and drug efficacy in clinical trials.
- Novel anticancer agents, particularly antiangiogenics, require specialized monitoring due to their mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of ex vivo NMR and in vivo MRS for monitoring anticancer drug effects on the cancer metabolome.
- To highlight the role of NMR/MRS in assessing pharmacodynamics of novel anticancer agents.
- To emphasize the utility of NMR/MRS in early-phase clinical trials for drug development.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes ex vivo Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- Employs in vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) techniques.
- Focuses on analyzing changes in the cancer cell metabolome.
Main Results:
- NMR/MRS methods provide insights into the pharmacodynamic effects of anticancer drugs.
- These spectroscopic techniques can accelerate the drug development process.
- Ex vivo NMR complements in vivo MRS by providing additional interpretative data.
Conclusions:
- NMR/MRS are valuable tools for monitoring anticancer drug action and efficacy.
- Spectroscopic methods can reveal drug mechanisms and guide treatment strategies.
- NMR/MRS play a crucial role in the development and evaluation of novel anticancer therapies.

