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Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Quantitative Mass Spectrometric Profiling of Cancer-cell Proteomes Derived From Liquid and Solid Tumors
Published on: February 27, 2015
Single Cell Mass Spectrometry Quantification of Anticancer Drugs: Proof of Concept in Cancer Patients
Ryan C Bensen1, Shawna J Standke1, Devon H Colby1
1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, Oklahoma 73019, United States.
Abstract:
In clinical cancer medicine, the current inability to quantify intracellular chemotherapy drug concentrations in individual human cells limits the personalization and overall effectiveness of drug administration. New bioanalytical methods capable of real-time measurement of drug levels in live single cancer cells would allow for more adaptive and personalized administration of chemotherapy drugs, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes with fewer side effects. In this study, we report the development of a new quantitative single cell mass spectrometry (qSCMS) method capable of providing absolute drug amounts and concentrations in single cancer cells. Using this qSCMS system, quantitative analysis of the intracellular drug gemcitabine present in individual bladder cancer cells is reported, including in bladder cancer cells isolated from patients undergoing standard-of-care gemcitabine chemotherapy. The development of single cell pharmacology bioanalytical methods can potentially lead to more effective and safely administered drug medications in patients, especially in the treatment of cancer.
Insights
Researchers developed quantitative single cell mass spectrometry (qSCMS) to measure chemotherapy drugs inside individual cancer cells. This breakthrough enables personalized cancer treatment for improved outcomes and reduced side effects.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cancer Pharmacology
Background:
- Quantifying intracellular chemotherapy drug concentrations in single human cells is crucial for personalized cancer medicine but currently limited.
- Real-time measurement of drug levels in live cancer cells is needed for adaptive drug administration, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel quantitative single cell mass spectrometry (qSCMS) method.
- To enable absolute quantification of intracellular drug amounts and concentrations in individual cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Development of a quantitative single cell mass spectrometry (qSCMS) system.
- Application of qSCMS for analyzing intracellular gemcitabine concentrations in single bladder cancer cells.
- Analysis of patient-derived bladder cancer cells from individuals undergoing gemcitabine chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Successful development of a qSCMS method for absolute quantification of intracellular drugs in single cancer cells.
- Demonstrated quantitative analysis of gemcitabine in individual bladder cancer cells, including patient samples.
- Established a novel bioanalytical approach for single-cell pharmacology.
Conclusions:
- The qSCMS method provides a powerful tool for single-cell pharmacology, enabling precise drug quantification.
- This technology can facilitate more personalized and effective chemotherapy administration in cancer patients.
- Advancements in single-cell bioanalytical methods hold promise for improving cancer treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
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