Quantitative Profiling of Oncometabolites in Frozen and Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Specimens by Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Given the implications of oncometabolites [succinate, fumarate, and 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG)] in cancer pathogenesis and therapeutics, quantitative determination of their tissue levels has significant diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic values. Here, we developed and validated a multiplex liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) platform that allows simultaneous determination of oncometabolites (including succinate, fumarate and total 2HG) and other tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites (α-ketoglutarate, malic acid, and glutamate) in frozen and FFPE tissues specimens. In addition, by employing chiral derivatization in the sample preparation, the platform enabled separation and determination of 2HG enantiomers (D- and L-2HG) in frozen and FFPE tissues. Isotope-labeled internal standard method was used for the quantitation. Linear calibration curve ranges in aqueous solution were 0.02–10, 0.2–100, 0.002–10, and 0.002–5 µM for succinate, fumarate, total 2HG, and D/L-2HG, respectively. Intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy for individual oncometabolites were within the generally accepted criteria for bioanalytical method validation (<15%). The recovery of spiked individual oncometabolites from pooled homogenate of FFPE or frozen tissue ranged 86–112%. Method validation indicated the technical feasibility, reliability and reproducibility of the platform. Oncometabolites were notably lost during the routine FFPE process. The ratios of succinate to glutamate, fumarate to α-ketoglutarate, 2HG to glutamate, and D-2HG to L-2HG were reliable surrogate measurements for the detection of altered levels of oncometabolites in FFPE specimens. Our study laid a foundation for the utility of archival FFPE specimens for oncometabolite profiling as a valid technique in clinical research and routine medical care.