A proteolipid in cancer cells is the origin of their high-resolution NMR spectrum

High-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance studies show that the spectrum of a proteolipid complex, isolated from the serum of patients with malignant diseases, is directly comparable with that obtained from intact cancer cells and solid tumours. These NMR signals have previously been shown to reveal differences between cancer cells with various biological characteristics such as metastatic capacity and drug sensitivity. The proteolipid contains cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, glycolipids, ether-linked lipids, and an apoprotein of unusual electrophoretic mobility. We have yet to confirm the presence of the mRNA reported by others. NMR spectroscopy could be used as a rapid method of identifying the presence of this proteolipid complex in human serum and aiding the diagnosis of malignant disease.