Recent progress in mass spectrometry-based liquid biopsy for cancer detection and analysis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Cancer, being highly variable and heterogeneous, necessitates innovative strategies in its analysis and diagnosis. Within this landscape, mass spectrometry-based liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising tool for managing cancer. This approach presents a non-invasive means to capture and scrutinize tumour-derived proteins, metabolites, and nucleic acids from bodily fluids. By leveraging this technology, the detection of cancer biomarkers is augmented, shedding light on tumour heterogeneity and facilitating real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment efficacy. Here, we discuss the challenge of detecting early cancer markers through mass spectrometry-based liquid biopsy. We review the latest developments in mass spectrometry technology for cancer detection and propose its complementarity with traditional liquid biopsy and the potential for future technological advancements to maximize the advantages of such technology in personalized early detection of cancer.