Microfluidic platforms enable detection of circulating tumor cells for early diagnosis
Early cancer diagnosis contributes to improved prognosis and overall survival. Achieving an early diagnosis with current diagnostic imaging techniques is challenging, as small tumors often fall below the detection threshold for imaging. Further, while solid tissue biopsy is considered a gold standard diagnostic method, it may be painful for patients, and tumor heterogeneity may contribute to inconclusive results. Liquid biopsy offers a minimally invasive alternative to current imaging and biopsy techniques, and may be combined with microfluidic platforms to detect circulating tumor cells for early diagnosis.
Here we explore some of the microfluidic technologies used for cancer diagnosis.
Download the full infographic compliments of Clinical Lab Manager.
