Imatinib (Gleevec, Glivec) tumour tissue analysis by measurement of sediment and by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

ABSTRACT

The analysis of the signal transduction inhibitor imatinib in patient tumour tissue using LC and MS/MS is described. The anticancer agent is eluted over RP-C18 within 2 mm together with its internal standard STI571-d8. Calibration curves were prepared in red blood cells (RBC). For quantitative isolation of the RBC, measurement of sediment was applied. There were no indications of signal suppression by substances originating in the biological matrix. The limit of determination in tumour tissue was in the range of those recorded for RBC and plasma. The assay is selective and sensitive, with its robustness favouring the experimental application in clinical oncology and its routine use in animal experiments. The LOD was 4.5 ng per gram in tumour tissue.