Migrasome and cancer - from cellular to clinical perspectives

Migrasomes, a newly discovered class of extracellular organelles, have emerged as pivotal mediators of intercellular communication, signaling gradient establishment, and organelle homeostasis. Their unique biogenesis—arising from retraction fibers of migrating cells—positions them as critical regulators in both physiological and pathological processes, particularly in cancer. Recent studies have revealed that migrasomes play multifaceted roles in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance by orchestrating cell-cell communication, modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME), and facilitating the transfer of oncogenic biomolecules. This review systematically summarizes current knowledge on migrasome biogenesis and functions, critically analyzes their multifaceted involvement in cancer biology, and evaluates their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Importantly, we highlight recent advances in migrasome-based cancer research and discuss future directions for translating these findings into clinical applications.