Future advancements may include multiplexing to capture various cancer cell types and testing with patient-derived blood samples, potentially transforming early cancer screening and monitoring.

Professor Yamada emphasizes that this system could facilitate early cancer diagnosis through simple blood tests and help monitor treatment effectiveness and recurrence.

The findings of this research were published in the journal Lab on a Chip, offering a promising, cost-effective solution for cancer diagnostics.

The research team, which included Mr. Yuhei Saito and Dr. Shuhei Aoyama, contributed significantly to this advancement in cancer detection technology.

Circulating tumor cells are cancer cells that detach from primary tumors and can lead to secondary tumors, making their detection critical for effective cancer management.

Researchers from Chiba University, led by Professor Masumi Yamada, have created innovative microfluidic devices featuring microcone arrays to efficiently capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood, which is essential for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

This study introduces a cost-effective and highly sensitive diagnostic tool aimed at detecting circulating cancer cells in blood, with promising implications for clinical applications.

The microfluidic system boasts over 90% efficiency in trapping CTCs, even at high flow rates, making it a viable option for affordable and minimally invasive cancer detection.

Utilizing polycarbonate sheets with precisely arranged microcone arrays, the device captures human breast cancer and lung cancer cells with remarkable selectivity.

The device's compatibility with downstream analysis is highlighted by its ability to perform in situ staining after capturing the cells, enhancing its diagnostic capabilities.

Immunostaining studies confirmed the device's effectiveness, allowing for the differentiation of captured cancer cells from normal cells under fluorescent light.

Unlike existing CTC-capture devices, this new system avoids complex chemical modifications or soft polymers, making it suitable for mass production and practical use.