High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of vinca-alkaloids in biological matrices: a concise survey from the literature.

The bioanalysis of vinca-alkaloids has been investigated extensively. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet, fluorescence or electrochemical detection have been described. During recent years liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has become the first choice for the quantitative bioanalysis of the vinca anticancer agents. This paper reviews recent methods for the bio-analysis of vinca-alkaloids using LC-MS, supplemented with our own experience. We will focus on sample pre-treatment, chromatography and MS detection and pay attention to problems which can occur during the bioanalysis of vinca-alkaloids. These problems encounter carry-over and absorption effects and solutions will be provided how to circumvent these problems.