Disease Focus | Cancer

Perspective matters. See more. Question less.

Cancer is a complex, multifaceted disease and deploying sophisticated analytical tools and methods will help us uncover the deeper mechanisms of this disease. Waters mass spectrometry-based workflows provide a unique and powerful perspective that is pivotal to characterizing cancer. From mass spectrometry imaging to pan-omics discovery to quantitative measurement of central pathways, The Waters suite of tools, applications, and support will enhance and expand the impact of your research.

Overview

Application Notes

Imaging

Visualizing the molecular features of cancer

Traditional approaches for characterizing tissue samples typically use staining methodologies (e.g. H&E stains) to visualize normal and pathological cell morphologies. An emerging approach of visualization uses Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) to map the differential distribution and concentration of endogenous and exogenous molecules within a tissue. Desorption Electrospray Ionization (DESI) MSI is a non-destructive technique that is complementary to, and compatible with, other staining or profiling techniques. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) MSI offers the additional capacity to measure proteins and peptides directly from tissue samples. In combination with Waters High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, these imaging techniques offer a powerful and orthogonal perspective to map the spatial distribution and concentrations of biomolecular features of normal and pathological tissue. Discover the potential with Waters MSI capabilities to unravel the complexities of cancer.

Discovery Omics

Scalable solutions to unravel the complexity of cancer

Research into complex human diseases such as cancer require measurements with depth of sample coverage and breadth of scope across large experimental groups. Waters discovery omics solutions provide the stability, precision and speed to cover statistically meaningful study sizes with technology that is designed to reproducibly digitize the characteristics of samples. Unique, easily deployable workflows, employing data independent workflows, employing data independent acquisition techniques such as SONAR and HDMS^E, capture qualitative and quantitative information on large numbers of analytes present in each sample. Gaining a broad perspective on the biomolecular profile or signature of a tumor, for example, can inform potential mechanisms and guide further targeted workflows.

Targeted Omics

Quantitative workflows to measure biomolecular signatures

You wouldn’t measure just one gene in a research experiment so why measure just one metabolite or protein? Step up your biomolecular analysis to match your molecular analysis. Waters tandem mass spectrometry workflows empower you to accurately and reproducibly measure an entire metabolite class or protein signature in a single tissue or liquid sample. Quantitatively measuring dozens of analytes without the risk of cross-reactivity or lot-to-lot variability in antibodies. Waters targeted workflows will give you the power and precision to elucidate your research. New to quantitative mass spectrometry? No problem. The Waters Targeted Omics Method Library (TOML) removes the burden of assay development by providing downloadable method files, application notes, and standards lists for a variety of multi-analyte assays for cancer research. Accurate, precise, reproducible quantitation of multiple analytes in a single sample is a powerful tool in your quest to understand tumorigenesis, propagation, and metastases.

Contact Waters

Local Offices

Watch the Video

Waters 2D-LC Technology used in the Development of Tumor Associated Antigens Method at Duke University
Watch the Video

Watch the video

Mass Spec Imaging Enables Greater Understanding of Tumors Than Ever Before
Watch the Video