Validation of circulating steroid hormone measurements across different matrices by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Steroid hormones are essential signalling molecules in prostate cancer (PC). However, many studies focusing on liquid biomarkers fail to take the hormonal status of these patients into account. measurements sensitive bias caused by matrix effects, thus assessing potential effects is an important step combining circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) analysis with hormone status. We investigated accuracy multi-steroid profiling mechanically-separated plasma (MSP) samples and from CellSave Preservative (CS) tubes, that typically used obtain ctDNA, compared serum. performed multiplex steroid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) obtained ten healthy controls castration-resistant (CRPC) patients. were comparable between MSP A small but consistent decrease 8–21% serum was observed when using CS plasma, which considered be within acceptable margin. The minimal residual testosterone levels CRPC could sensitively quantified both samples. validated use for LC–MS/MS. optimised clinical trials will allow us gain further insight metabolism PC