Advancing rare cancer research by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging: Applications, challenges, and future perspectives in sarcoma

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Maren Nicole Stillger - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Mujia Jenny Li - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Pia Hönscheid - , Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Cläre von Neubeck - , University Hospital Essen (Author)
  • Melanie Christine Föll - , Northeastern University (Author)

Abstract

MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI imaging) uniquely advances cancer research, by measuring spatial distribution of endogenous and exogenous molecules directly from tissue sections. These molecular maps provide valuable insights into basic and translational cancer research, including tumor biology, tumor microenvironment, biomarker identification, drug treatment, and patient stratification. Despite its advantages, MALDI imaging is underutilized in studying rare cancers. Sarcomas, a group of malignant mesenchymal tumors, pose unique challenges in medical research due to their complex heterogeneity and low incidence, resulting in understudied subtypes with suboptimal management and outcomes. In this review, we explore the applicability of MALDI imaging in sarcoma research, showcasing its value in understanding this highly heterogeneous and challenging rare cancer. We summarize all MALDI imaging studies in sarcoma to date, highlight their impact on key research fields, including molecular signatures, cancer heterogeneity, and drug studies. We address specific challenges encountered when employing MALDI imaging for sarcomas, and propose solutions, such as using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, and multiplexed experiments, and considerations for multi-site studies and digital data sharing practices. Through this review, we aim to spark collaboration between MALDI imaging researchers and clinical colleagues, to deploy the unique capabilities of MALDI imaging in the context of sarcoma.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2300001
Pages (from-to)e2300001
JournalProteomics
Volume24
Issue number12-13
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85186434358

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis, Humans, Rare Diseases/diagnostic imaging, Sarcoma/diagnostic imaging, Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/methods, Tumor Microenvironment