Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is naked DNA molecules shed from the tumor cells into the peripheral blood circulation. They contain tumor-specific gene mutations and other valuable information. ctDNA is considered to be one of the most significant analytes in liquid biopsies. Over the past decades, numerous researchers have developed various detection strategies to perform quantitative or qualitative ctDNA analysis, including PCR-based detection and sequencing-based detection. More and more studies have illustrated the great value of ctDNA as a biomarker in the diagnosis, prognosis and heterogeneity of tumor. In this review, we first outlined the development of digital PCR (dPCR)-based and next generation sequencing (NGS)-based ctDNA detection systems. Besides, we presented the introduction of the emerging ctDNA analysis strategies based on various biosensors, such as electrochemical biosensors, fluorescent biosensors, surface plasmon resonance and Raman spectroscopy, as well as their applications in the field of biomedicine. Finally, we summarized the essentials of the preceding discussions, and the existing challenges and prospects for the future are also involved.

Overview of ctDNA detection strategies in clinical cancer theranostics. In this review, the recent development of ctDNA detection systems based on digital PCR (dPCR), next generation sequencing (NGS) and various biosensors was introduced. The essentials of the preceding discussions are summarized, and the existing challenges and prospects for the future are also involved. image

Outline the development of ctDNA detection strategies based on digital PCR (dPCR)-based and next generation sequencing (NGS). Emerging ctDNA analysis systems based on various biosensors are emphatically introduced. Summarize the challenges and the future perspectives for ctDNA detection.