Circulating tumor-cell detection and capture using microfluidic devices

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the bloodstream are considered good indicators of the presence of a primary tumor or even metastases. CTC capture has great importance in early detection of cancer, especially in identifying novel therapeutic routes for cancer patients by finding personalized druggable targets for the pharmaceutical industry. Recent developments in microfluidics and nanotechnology improved the capabilities of CTC detection and capture, including purity, selectivity and throughput. This article covers the recent technological improvements in microfluidics-based CTC-capture methods utilizing the physical and biochemical properties of CTCs. We critically review the most promising hydrodynamic, dielectrophoretic and magnetic force-based microfluidic CTC-capture devices.