Blood-Based Large Oncosomes Offer New Hope for Cancer Diagnosis and Monitoring

Recent research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has uncovered promising advances in cancer detection through the study of large oncosomes—specialized, fluid-filled particles released into the bloodstream by highly invasive cancer cells. These large oncosomes consistently carry a specific set of molecules across different cancer types, including brain, prostate, and breast cancers. The groundbreaking study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, indicates that these vesicles could serve as reliable biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring various malignancies.

Furthermore, the researchers demonstrated the innovative application of multiomics techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, to analyze large oncosomes, providing deeper insights into their molecular composition. Notably, molecules identified in large oncosomes from cancer cell lines were also detected in blood samples from patients with metastatic prostate cancer, highlighting their potential utility in clinical settings.

Dr. Dolores Di Vizio, the study's lead author, emphasized the future prospects of this research: "Our goal is to develop blood tests that can accurately track how a cancer responds to therapy. By collaborating with engineers, biologists, and genomic experts, we aim to create less invasive, more precise diagnostic tools that help tailor treatments, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the need for biopsies." This innovative approach opens new pathways for non-invasive cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine.

For more detailed information, the full study can be accessed via the DOI link: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102161.