Rapid MALDI-MS Assays for Drug Quantification in Biological Matrices: Lessons Learned, New Developments, and Future Perspectives
Margaux Fresnais,
Esra Yildirim,
Seda Karabulut,
Dirk Jäger,
Inka Zörnig,
Julia Benzel,
Kristian W. Pajtler,
Stefan M. Pfister,
Jürgen Burhenne,
Walter E. Haefeli,
Rémi Longuespée
Affiliations
Margaux Fresnais
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Esra Yildirim
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Seda Karabulut
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Dirk Jäger
National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Inka Zörnig
National Center for Tumor Diseases Heidelberg, Department of Medical Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Julia Benzel
Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Kristian W. Pajtler
Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Stefan M. Pfister
Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 430, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Jürgen Burhenne
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Walter E. Haefeli
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Rémi Longuespée
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) has rarely been used in the field of therapeutic drug monitoring, partly because of the complexity of the ionization processes between the compounds to be quantified and the many MALDI matrices available. The development of a viable MALDI-MS method that meets regulatory guidelines for bioanalytical method validation requires prior knowledge of the suitability of (i) the MALDI matrix with the analyte class and properties for ionization, (ii) the crystallization properties of the MALDI matrix with automation features, and (iii) the MS instrumentation used to achieve sensitive and specific measurements in order to determine low pharmacological drug concentrations in biological matrices. In the present hybrid article/white paper, we review the developments required for the establishment of MALDI-MS assays for the quantification of drugs in tissues and plasma, illustrated with concrete results for the different steps. We summarize the necessary parameters that need to be controlled for the successful development of fully validated MALDI-MS methods according to regulatory authorities, as well as currently unsolved problems and promising ways to address them. Finally, we propose an expert opinion on future perspectives and needs in order to establish MALDI-MS as a universal method for therapeutic drug monitoring.
