Tumor metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) being particularly common in the spread of cancer cells through the circulatory system. The detection of CTCs is of great significance for the early diagnosis and treatment evaluation of tumors. However, traditional detection methods suffer from issues of low sensitivity and specificity. The combination of electrochemical sensor technology and aptamers can improve the accuracy and efficiency of CTCs detection, with the advantages of fast speed, low cost, and easy operation. Aptamers have a wide range of medical applications, including the detection of CTCs, extracellular vesicles, biomarker analysis, and therapy. However, their poor stability is a major disadvantage. Through the improvement of aptamer detection methods, the combination of electrochemical sensor technology and aptamer techniques is expected to solve the sensitivity and specificity problems of CTCs detection, and further promote the development of clinical research.

Aptamer; Circulating tumor cells; Electrochemical sensor; Biomaterial; Liquid biopsy