Recombinant vectors in which expression of one or more elements (e.g. genes required for viral replication, detectable imaging agents, therapeutic agents, etc.) is driven by an mda-9/syntenin (mda-9) cancer selective promoter are provided, as are cells and transgenic animals that contain such vectors. The vectors are used in cancer therapy and/or diagnostics, especially to visualize (image) and treat metastasis (including in rapid in vitro assays), and the transgenic mice are used to monitor cancer progression and/or the efficacy of candidate therapeutic agents in screening assays.
