Recent advances in microfluidic technologies for circulating tumor cell isolation: from separation strategies to clinical translation

Key Points

• This research focuses on enhancing the clinical application of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using advanced microfluidic technologies.
• Reviewed various microfluidic separation strategies used for isolating CTCs.
• Analyzed the heterogeneity of CTCs in various cancer types.
• Discussed the clinical translation of these technologies to improve diagnostics.
• Identified multiple microfluidic technologies that effectively isolate CTCs from blood samples.
• Demonstrated improved yield and purity of isolated CTCs compared to conventional methods.
• Highlighted the potential of CTCs as biomarkers for personalized cancer therapy.