Metastasis detection is now possible using OncoImmunin's unique fluorogenic substrates to assay the protease activities associated with metastasis of malignant cells. Examples of current reagents for metastasis analysis are CaDiLux^® for the detection of cathepsin D, ElastoLux^® for the detection of elastase, and MetastaLux^TM for detection of collagenolytic activity.

As with OncoImmunin’s caspase substrates, CaDiLux^® and ElastoLux^® cross intact plasma membranes and are therefore able to detect intracellular proteolytic activites in live cells. In contrast, MetastaLux^TM, which contains a sequence found in collagen, is immobilized and can detect cells utilizing collagenolytic activity as they move through a 3-dimensional matrix.