Analysis of cancer tissues by means of spectroscopic methods

The personalized approach in cancer treatment stimulates the search for new analytical techniques, including spectroscopic methods such as Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) imaging and high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HR MAS NMR). The purpose of these studies is determination of metabolic profiles of cancer tissues, and their application in diagnostics and therapy of cancers. The review is mainly focused on application of HR MAS NMR technique. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites by means of this method is described for breast cancer tissues. In the near future HR MAS NMR in vitro studies of metabolic profiles combined with in vivo studies using MRI scanners may be applied as a new diagnostic tool.