Table 1.

Aptamer-based analytical platforms for CTC detection

Aptamer target	Cancer type	Signal-readout technique	Analytical performance		Ref.
			LOD	Linear range
CD30	ALCL and Hodgkin’s lymphoma	Fluorescent reporter/flow cytometry	No detection	No detection	34
CD4	Patient pleural fluid specimen	Fluorescent reporter/flow cytometry	No detection	No detection	30
CD30	ALCL and Hodgkin’s lymphoma	Cancer cell activated (signal turn-on) fluorescent reporter	1 cell in 104 non-specific cells	No detection	35
Combined detection of MUC1, HER2 and estrogen receptor	Breast cancer	Target-activated fluorescent (signal turn-on) reporter	10 cells/mL	10–106 cells/mL	36
Combined detection of VEGF and MUC1	Breast cancer	Signal amplification based colorimetry	10 cells/mL	10–105 cells/mL	40
PTK7	Leukemia	Signal amplification based colorimetry	50 cells/mL	50–5000 cells/mL	41
HepG2 cells	Hepatocellular carcinoma	Electrochemistry	2 cells/mL	102–106 cells/mL	42
MUC1	Colon cancer	Electrochemistry	40 cells/mL	1.25 × 102–1.25 × 106 cells/mL	43