The article "Pre-metastatic niches: organ-specific homes for metastases" by Héctor Peinado et al. reviews the formation and mechanisms of pre-metastatic niches (PMNs), which are organ-specific microenvironments that facilitate the survival and growth of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) before their arrival at distant organs. The authors highlight the role of tumor-secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in creating these niches, which are crucial for metastasis. Key processes include vascular leakiness, recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs), and immune deregulation. The article also discusses the concept of "sleepy niches," where tumor cells can survive in a dormant state, and the importance of specific factors like thrombospondin 1 and S100 proteins in maintaining dormancy. Additionally, it explores the involvement of EVs in PMN formation, including the transfer of genetic material and proteins that promote metastasis. The review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the complex interactions within PMNs and the potential for targeting these niches to prevent or treat metastasis.The article "Pre-metastatic niches: organ-specific homes for metastases" by Héctor Peinado et al. reviews the formation and mechanisms of pre-metastatic niches (PMNs), which are organ-specific microenvironments that facilitate the survival and growth of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) before their arrival at distant organs. The authors highlight the role of tumor-secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in creating these niches, which are crucial for metastasis. Key processes include vascular leakiness, recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs), and immune deregulation. The article also discusses the concept of "sleepy niches," where tumor cells can survive in a dormant state, and the importance of specific factors like thrombospondin 1 and S100 proteins in maintaining dormancy. Additionally, it explores the involvement of EVs in PMN formation, including the transfer of genetic material and proteins that promote metastasis. The review emphasizes the need for further research to understand the complex interactions within PMNs and the potential for targeting these niches to prevent or treat metastasis.