Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin 2228-5881 16 2 2026 06 15 Advanced Electrochemiluminescence DNA Aptasensor for Sensitive Detection of Cancer Biomarkers 291 306 10.34172/apb.47032 EN Golnoush Rahvar https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9612-6076 Mahdis Ojaghlou Kimia Rostami Mansour Mahmoudpour Zahra Karimzadeh https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8501-7124 REVIEW 10.34172/apb.47032 2026 01 04 2026 05 07 Cancer continues to be the most important global health issue, requiring effective monitoring for improved diagnosis and survival. By combining the molecular recognition capabilities of aptamers with the signal enhancement features of electrochemiluminescence (ECL), DNA-based ECL aptasensors have emerged as a highly specific and sensitive method for determination of cancer biomarkers. This review critically evaluates recent advances in ECL aptasensor design, signal amplification strategies, aptamer design, and clinical applications. Nanomaterials and aptamer configurations are discussed in terms of their roles in improving ECL performance and detection capability. Key challenges, including reproducibility, stability in complex matrices, and point-of-care applicability, are emphasized. Finally, emerging strategies, including advanced nanomaterials, integrated platforms, and computational approaches, are briefly outlined to guide future development of robust and portable ECL aptasensors for cancer diagnostics.