Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing the analytical capabilities of direct mass spectrometry (MS) techniques to improve disease detection from both tissue specimens and challenging clinical samples, including minimally invasive biopsies. By leveraging DESI-MS imaging and other rapid-profiling MS approaches, we continually refine experimental workflows and data analysis pipelines to enhance molecular coverage, sensitivity, and overall diagnostic power in complex patient samples. We are engaged in several major initiatives within this area. One key project is our ongoing NIH funded prospective clinical study focused on thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsies. In this study, we aim to determine whether MS-based molecular profiling can accurately identify cancer preoperatively, thereby improving clinical decision making and reducing unnecessary surgeries. Additionally, we are applying DESI MS imaging and complementary direct MS platforms to analyze platelets and liquid biopsy samples from cancer patients, with the goal of identifying molecular signatures that can support early and non invasive cancer detection.
Collectively, our work in this field is expanding the landscape of diagnostic MS applications, demonstrating the feasibility and value of using metabolic information derived from minimally invasive biopsies to diagnose disease with speed, accuracy, and minimal sample processing. These advances pave the way for broader clinical adoption of MS based diagnostic methods and open new avenues for precision medicine.