Kristina Schwamborn (Presenter)
Institute of Pathology
Authorship: Kristina Schwamborn
Institute of Pathology, TUM, Munich, Germany
| Short Abstract Pathologists face many problems in their day to day practice trying to guide clinicians in finding the precise diagnosis and optimal treatment for a patient. Reliable markers for diagnostic purposes or markers that correlate with disease severity as well as prognosis and therapeutic response are needed. Since MALDI imaging mass spectrometry goes far beyond microscopy and enables the assessment of spatial molecular arrangements in tissue sections it is ideal for this endeavor. Moreover, it has the potential to revolutionize pathology. |
Long Abstract
MALDI imaging mass spectrometry can measure hundreds of molecules at the cellular level with direct correlation to histological features. It generates molecular maps of tissue sections that can elucidate the underlying biochemistry or provide information on how therapeutics or toxins influence the function or misfunction of an organ. Thus, it could overcome limitations of other approaches in the identification and routine diagnostic measurement of new marker molecules/profiles. Tremendous progress regarding sample preparation and instrumentation has been made within the last decade. Thus – in theory – implementation of the technology in real time routine diagnostic workflows is now possible. However, studies proving the technology to be reliable in a clinical setting and establishing robust sample preparation and measurement strategies that show high agreement between different laboratories are still lacking. Additionally, up till now only a few studies did provide clinically relevant information. In order to take MALDI IMS to the next level and towards implementation into the clinic close collaboration between physicians, especially pathologists, and researchers are mandatory.
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