Application of circulating tumor cells scope technique on circulating tumor cell research

Abstract

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are becoming promising biomarkers in several cancers, such as colon, prostate, and
breast carcinomas. Independent research groups have reported a correlation between CTC numbers and patient
prognosis. Even more, the development of personalized medicine gives physicians impetus to utilize the advancement
of molecular characterization of CTCs. This review introduces a new technique, CTCscope, and compares it with the
current methods of CTCs detection, with particular emphasis on cancer research, and discusses the future application
of this new method from bench to bed-side.