Isolation of circulating tumor cells based on magnetophoresis

Cancer is a significant cause of death, and early detection of cancer is necessary. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) which carry tumor information as well as access convenience can be targeted for cancer early detection and research. The precise and rapid isolation of CTCs from peripheral blood is important for cancer therapy. At present, many methods have been developed to separate CTCs. These methods can be divided into two categories, nonspecific separation based on the physical properties of cells and specific separation utilizing cell surface antigens. This paper reviews specific separation based on the principle of magnetophoresis. The principle of the separation of positive and negative magnetophoresis is introduced in detail, and the advantages and disadvantages of the two technologies are evaluated. Then, the gradient magnetic field produced by various magnetic devices is analyzed. Finally, the advantages of magnetic separation of CTCs are summarized, and the prospect of separation of CTCs is put forward.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the methods of specific separation of CTCs based on the principle of magnetophoresis and evaluates their advantages and disadvantages. It analyzes the gradient magnetic field produced by various magnetic devices and summarizes the advantages of magnetic separation of CTCs, as well as proposes the prospect of CTCs separation.