CTCs Detection Methods In Vivo and In Vitro and Their Application in Tumor Immunotherapy

ABSTRACT Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells that detach from the primary tumor site and enter the bloodstream. They hold significant value for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of tumors. CTC detection methods can be classified into in vivo and in vitro techniques. Compared to traditional tumor detection methods, CTC detection causes less harm to the body and allows for earlier identification of malignant tumors, thereby enabling timely treatment and improving patient survival rates. In recent years, CTC detection has been widely used to assess the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy. Dynamic monitoring of CTCs can help optimize clinical treatment strategies. This review summarizes the latest in vivo and in vitro detection methods for CTCs and discusses their applications in immunotherapy for various common tumors, aiming to provide better guidance and support for clinical practice.