Selective profiling of proteins in lung cancer cells from fine-needle aspirates by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used to analyze tumor sections and can determine tumor type, nodal involvement, and survival, and shows promise in predicting therapeutic response. Our purpose was to develop a method compatible with MALDI-TOF MS that allows selective analysis of cancer cells in mixed clinical samples such as fine-needle aspirates.