Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of platinum anticancer agents.

Quantification and identification of platinum drugs and their metabolites in biological samples has always been difficult because these compounds are thermally unstable, non-volatile and insoluble. We have demonstrated that electrospray ionization mass spectrometry can be a valuable technique for direct mass spectral analysis of platinum anticancer agents and for obtaining structural information as a result of fragmentation. Full-scan spectra were obtained with approximately 10 pmol samples. These results show the potential of applying this technique in pharmacokinetic studies of platinum anticancer drugs.