Robust HPLC-MS/MS method for levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin determination in human prostate tissue

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Urology

Background:

• Fluoroquinolones are essential for preventing bacterial infections post-prostate biopsy.
• Accurate measurement of antibiotic levels in prostate tissue is needed to assess efficacy.
• Existing methods for simultaneous determination in prostatic tissue are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a simple, selective, rapid, and robust HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method.
• To quantify levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations in human prostate bioptates.
• To apply the method in a clinical study for real-world efficacy assessment.

Main Methods:

• Developed a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method.
• Utilized RP C18 column with isocratic elution and a specific mobile phase.
• Employed experimental designs (Plackett-Burman, Fractional Factorial) for robustness studies.

Main Results:

• Achieved rapid analysis (<3.5 min) with high linearity (r ≥0.999) and low detection limits.
• Quantified levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations in patient prostate tissues.
• Successfully applied the validated method to clinical samples, demonstrating its practical utility.

Conclusions:

• The developed HPLC-ESI-MS/MS method is suitable for simultaneous determination of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in prostate tissue.
• This method provides a reliable tool for assessing antibacterial efficacy in the target tissue.
• The findings support optimizing antibiotic prophylaxis strategies for prostate biopsy patients.