Simultaneous analysis of neuroendocrine tumor markers by HPLC-electrochemical detection.

A validated, high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for simultaneous quantitation of urinary catecholic acids 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid (HMMA) (vanylmandelic acid) (VMA), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) was developed. Sample preparation involved liquid-liquid extraction of acidified urine, containing iso-HMMA (IS) as internal standard, with ether, evaporation of the organic extract, followed by reconstitution of the residue in phosphate buffer at pH 3.3. After reversed-phase HPLC at 35 degrees C and separation on a Licrospher 125mmx4mm C(18) column (5microm particle size) with phosphate buffer (pH 3.5)-acetone (950:50, v/v) as eluent, quantitation is achieved by electrochemical detection using coulometric detection at a potential of +350mV. The method was successfully applied to routine diagnosis of neuroblastoma, carcinoid syndrome and pheochromocytoma.