DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SEPARATION OF CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the separation/capture of specific cells and/or contaminants, as well as the determination, monitoring, and treatment of cancer. Moreover, some embodiments are directed to methods, systems and devices for removing cancer, stem and/or tumor cells in vivo or in vitro from a bodily fluid to prevent or impede the proliferation of a cancer. Some embodiments provide a blood-compatible filter comprising, for example, a membrane provided with a number of openings (preferably precise) which yield minimal detrimental effect both quantitatively and qualitatively on cells present in the bodily fluid during the separation process. For example, in some embodiments, a majority percentage of circulating tumor cells are captured by a filter while a majority percentage of leukocytes, for example, are allowed to pass, where the passed leukocytes retain their vitality.