Doctors use samples of white blood cells taken in clinical settings in lab tests about immune function and for emerging therapies like CAR T cell for certain cancers. But, current tests are limited in scope and sometimes require the addition of molecular labels that make the samples unsuitable for further use or analysis. Investigators at the Morgridge Institute for Research have developed a method of using optical metabolic imaging to identify immune cells and their metabolic state without destroying the samples. The group is working to commercialize this technology and help clinicians get the most out of these commonly used blood samples.

BUFFALO, NY – September 1, 2026 – A new review was published in Volume 17 of Oncotarget on August 28, 2026, titled “Emerging biomedical imaging applications of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles for premetastatic niche detection: Biological rationale, engineering strategies, and translational challenges.”

The review was led by Prof. Shaorong Gao of Tongji University, in collaboration with researchers from multiple universities and research institutes across China. It examines how epigenetic mechanisms decide which genes are used, when they are used and how strongly they are expressed - from the earliest stages of development to aging, cancer and therapy.

Bringing together evidence from reproduction, embryonic development, stem-cell research, tissue maintenance, aging, cancer and clinical translation, the review assesses what these mechanisms may mean for reproductive medicine, regenerative medicine and precision treatment. It also distinguishes promising directions from interventions that still require stronger evidence on delivery, specificity and long-term safety.