Seeing metastasis before it happens: Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles for premetastatic niche imaging

by Omkar Dhaygude

edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Robert Egan

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Cancer is most dangerous not when it starts but when it spreads. Metastasis—the process by which cancer cells travel to and colonize distant organs—is responsible for the vast majority of cancer deaths. The problem is that by the time metastatic tumors show up on a scan, they've often already been growing quietly for some time.

In our review recently published in Oncotarget, we take a closer look at a promising idea that could change this: using tiny particles naturally released by tumors, called extracellular vesicles, or EVs, to catch the earliest signs of cancer spread—before a new tumor ever forms.

These particles, specifically the ones released by tumors themselves (known as TEVs), are more than just biological debris. They travel through the bloodstream and essentially "scout ahead," helping prepare distant tissues for future tumor growth. This process reshapes the local environment in the lungs, liver or other organs—altering blood vessels, recruiting immune cells and changing the surrounding tissue—long before any tumor cells actually arrive. Scientists call this evolving landscape the premetastatic niche.

What makes this especially interesting from a research standpoint is that these vesicles aren't just passive messengers. They can be engineered to carry imaging agents, essentially turning them into biological "tracking devices" that light up under different types of medical imaging.

In our review, we walk through several imaging approaches currently being tested in labs, ranging from fluorescence and bioluminescence to more clinically familiar techniques like PET, SPECT, MRI and CT. Researchers have experimented with all sorts of labels, including fluorescent dyes, radioactive tracers, nanoparticles and magnetic agents, all aimed at making these vesicles visible inside living organisms.

The idea is compelling: If we can track where these tumor-released particles go and how they behave once they get there, we might be able to spot the earliest hints of metastatic risk well before a tumor becomes visible using standard imaging.

Of course, we're not there yet. As we discuss in the review, there are still real hurdles to overcome. Some imaging labels don't stay attached the way researchers would like. It's also difficult to be certain that the signals researchers are picking up are truly coming from tumor-derived vesicles rather than other particles circulating in the body. And engineering these vesicles for imaging can sometimes change their natural behavior, which raises questions about how well lab results will translate to real patients.

Even with these challenges, we believe this is a research direction worth watching. If scientists can refine these techniques, TEV-based imaging could eventually give doctors a new way to monitor cancer risk, catch metastasis earlier and tailor treatment decisions more precisely, potentially improving outcomes for patients facing this stage of the disease.

This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate.

Publication details

Omkar Dhaygude et al, Emerging biomedical imaging applications of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles for premetastatic niche detection: Biological rationale, engineering strategies, and translational challenges, Oncotarget (2026). DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28916

Journal information: Oncotarget

Key medical concepts

Extracellular VesiclesMetastasis

Clinical categories

OncologyDiagnostic radiology Who's behind this story?

Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →

Robert Egan

Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile →

Omkar Dhaygude is a Research Technologist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and holds an M.S. in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. His research spans cancer biology, tumor immunology, extracellular vesicles, biomedical imaging, and preclinical cancer models. His work at Johns Hopkins has focused on tumor-derived extracellular vesicles and their potential for imaging premetastatic niches, reflecting a broader interest in developing technologies for the earlier detection and treatment of cancer.

Citation: Seeing metastasis before it happens: Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles for premetastatic niche imaging (2026, September 17) retrieved 17 September 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-metastasis-tumor-derived-extracellular-vesicles.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.