The Application of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in Cancer Research

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technology has demonstrated immense potential in cancer research. This paper explores the diverse applications and significance of ICP-MS in this field. ICP-MS plays a pivotal role in tumor marker detection by enabling the identification of cancer-related biomolecules through elemental labeling, such as metallic labeling of antibodies or nucleic acids, and by detecting cancer cell surface markers. Additionally, it facilitates the discovery of potential biomarkers by analyzing elemental changes and their metabolites in biological fluids and tissue samples. Single-cell ICP-MS techniques provide insights into cell-to-cell heterogeneity, offering cell-level information for cancer studies. In the realm of metallic anticancer drug research, ICP-MS is employed to investigate drug uptake and distribution. This includes analyzing metallodrug uptake in cells, and distribution in tissues and organs at the single-cell level, and elucidating anticancer mechanisms by monitoring the distribution and metabolism of these metallodrugs. The application of ICP-MS in cancer research offers robust technical support for early diagnosis, treatment evaluation, and drug discovery, promising broad prospects in this domain.