The present invention relates to the field of detection, in particular to the use of a method for purifying, isolating and analyzing atypical circulating tumor cells and the use of atypical circulating tumor cells. The method for purifying, isolating and analyzing the atypical circulating tumor cells, as well as the atypical circulating tumor cells, can be used for preparing kits diagnosing cancer, assessing cancer prognosis, monitoring cancer, or assessing effectiveness of cancer treatment. The invention has the advantages of high throughput, high purity and high recovery rate, and no selection bias, successful purification, isolation and analysis of atypical circulating tumor cells. Through the analysis of atypical circulating tumor cells, cancer risk, cancer prognosis and effectivenesscan be assessed, and the sensitivity and accuracy of detection can be improved.