Metabolic Characterization of Tumor-Tumor Microenvironment Interactions in Human Colorectal Cancer using MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging

This poster highlights a novel use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to characterize the metabolic interplay between colorectal cancer epithelium and adjacent stroma. The advancing cancer margin/edge harbors unique biological features, and characterizing tumor-tumor microenvironment coupling at this ‘front-line’ zone will yield valuable information on the metabolic pathways involved in tumor development and progression. This could generate novel prognostic strategies based on stromal phenotype, and facilitate the development of anti-cancer agents designed to un-couple the relationship between cancer cells and their stromal counterparts.