Electrochemical detection of circulating tumor cells: A mini review

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) is an important biomarker for early diagnosis of cancer. Among a number of greatly advanced strategies, electrochemical CTC sensors show advantages such as simplicity, fast response, low cost and the capability for miniaturization. In this mini review, we present recent development of the electrochemical cytosensors primarily in the past 5 years based on different detection principles. In the conclusion, we point out the current challenges of the electrochemical CTC detection platform and highlight the importance of single CTC detection. An outlook particularly on the impact method for single CTC analysis is also given.

Automated summary

Circulating tumor cell (CTC) serves as a crucial biomarker for early cancer diagnosis, and electrochemical CTC sensors have shown advantages in simplicity, speed, cost-effectiveness, and miniaturization. Recent developments in electrochemical cytosensors over the past 5 years have focused on different detection principles with a particular emphasis on the challenges and importance of single CTC detection. Future prospects lie in impact methods for single CTC analysis.