The influence of different polycrystalline diamond compact （PDC） cutter geometries on drilling efficiency has drawn significant research attention. Substantial improvements in rock-breaking efficiency and bit durability can be achieved through optimization of cutter structural design and enhancement of material properties. Recent advancements in materials science， manufacturing technology， and numerical simulation have facilitated notable progress in the application of non-planar PDC cutter geometries for drilling efficiency. This paper systematically reviews research advancements in rock-breaking mechanisms， cutter layout design， and field applications of special-shaped cutters through experimental and numerical investigations. Furthermore， it proposes recommendations for future development directions， aiming to provide valuable insights for enhancing PDC drilling performance. The comprehensive analysis integrates fundamental mechanisms with practical engineering considerations， offering a scientific framework for optimizing cutter configurations in the challenging formation drilling scenarios.