Mass Spectrometry as a Clinical Integrative Tool to Evaluate Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Moving to the Mainstream

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Since the pioneering work of J. J. Thomson on magnetic deflection of charged particles, mass spectrometry (MS) has become the most progressive clinical tool by continuously providing new applications in medical research. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), MS can be used from surveillance in early stages of the disease to constant evaluation of effective treatments.

Areas covered: This Special Report highlights the groundbreaking possibilities of mass spectrometry clinical application in the mainstream to evaluate HCC development and progression.

Expert opinon: MS has been employed to understand a myriad of liver diseases, such as the identification of early biomarkers in cirrhosis and HVB and HVC, as well as metabolic alterations of lipidic imbalance in HCC due to fatty liver disease. In an integrative point-of-view, researchers worldwide are looking for molecular signatures that may represent more faithfully the complex scenario of the onset and progression of HCC. Following the steps of MELD score (Model of End-stage Liver Disease), which evaluates biochemical dysfunction of end-stage liver diseases, the necessity to use innovative attempts to pursue a molecular-MEaLD (mMEaLD – molecular Model for Early Liver Disease), shifting MS to the upstream and from the lab facilities into the mainstream, inside the surgery room.

KEYWORDS:

• Mass spectrometry
• hepatocellular carcinoma
• liver
• cancer
• mMEaLD

Article highlights

• MS is the most progressive clinical tool, since it continuously provides groundbreaking applications in medical research.

• An integrative point-of-view seems necessary to efficiently evaluate the intricate signaling pathways of hepatocellular carcinoma and MS-based can provide that knowledge.

• On medicine, in a near-future scenario is a must a shift between the ‘hardware of life’ to a ‘software’ point-of-view, from an interventive medicine to a preventive one, is necessary.

• This groundbreaking avenue can be constructively implemented in translational research and precision medicine, improving the patient’s survival.

• In this new approach, we must use innovative attempts to chase a molecular-MEaLD (mMEaLD – molecular Model for Early Liver Disease).

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

The first author AMA Martins is funded by AIRBUS international offset between Spain and Brazil – ACORDO 002/DCTA-COPAC/2014.