Microfluidic analysis of circulating tumor cells and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles

Liquid biopsy of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) holds immense promise in early detection of cancer, monitoring efficacy of therapy, and predicting prognosis. Microfluidic techniques provide new tools for isolation and detection of CTCs and EVs, by offering a multitude of advantages in terms of high-level of integration, multiplex analysis, small sample consumption, and point-of-care testing. This review summarizes recent advances in microfluidic isolation of CTCs and EVs using their physical and biological properties, and microfluidics-based detection of CTCs and EVs through a variety of sensing methods. Microfluidic analysis of single CTCs and EVs is highlighted to reveal their heterogeneity that is likely to be overlooked by conventional bulk methods. Challenges associated with microfluidics-based liquid biopsy of CTCs and EVs are discussed.