title: Label-free isolation of circulating tumor cells in microfluidic devices: Current research and perspectives.
abstract: This review will cover the recent advances in label-free approaches to isolate and manipulate circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In essence, label-free approaches do not rely on antibodies or biological markers for labeling the cells of interest, but enrich them using the differential physical properties intrinsic to cancer and blood cells. We will discuss technologies that isolate cells based on their biomechanical and electrical properties. Label-free approaches to analyze CTCs have been recently invoked as a valid alternative to "marker-based" techniques, because classical epithelial and tumor markers are lost on some CTC populations and there is no comprehensive phenotypic definition for CTCs. We will highlight the advantages and drawbacks of these technologies and the status on their implementation in the clinics.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669.
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cima
authors.affiliation: National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610.
authors.forename: Chay
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wen Yee
authors.affiliation: Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Avenue, Singapore 738964.
authors.forename: Florina S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Iliescu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669.
authors.forename: Wai Min
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Phyo
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608.
authors.forename: Kiat Hon
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669.
authors.forename: Ciprian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Iliescu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos #04-01, Singapore 138669 ; National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Drive, Singapore 169610.
authors.forename: Min Han
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Tan