Prospective on Imaging Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Diagnostics

Area of Science:

• Molecular Pathology and Diagnostics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) provides molecular maps from tissue sections, enabling spatially resolved research.
• Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry has a history in bulk analyses, but its clinical application in tissue biopsies is emerging.
• Current clinical use of spatial data from IMS for diagnosis and prognosis remains an underdeveloped area in molecular diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress of MALDI-IMS as a clinical diagnostic tool.
• To explore the application of spatially driven mass spectrometry for clinical diagnostics.
• To address key aspects for the translation of IMS into clinical laboratories.

Main Methods:

• Review of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) techniques.
• Discussion of spatially driven mass spectrometry approaches for clinical applications.
• Consideration of essential elements for new imaging-based assays: analyte selection, quality control/assurance, data reproducibility, classification, and scoring.

Main Results:

• MALDI-IMS has advanced significantly, showing potential as a primary tool in clinical settings.
• The clinical utility of spatial molecular data from tissue biopsies is an emerging field.
• Successful translation requires addressing challenges in assay development and data handling.

Conclusions:

• Rigorous implementation of standardized protocols is necessary for the clinical translation of IMS.
• Detailed protocols are essential for ensuring reliable and reproducible IMS results in patient care.
• IMS has the potential to inform and guide patient care through advanced molecular diagnostics.