A collagen-targeted protein MRI contrast agent developed at Georgia State University detected invasive lung tumors and multi-organ metastases as small as 1 millimeter in preclinical studies. The research team says it is now pursuing FDA clinical testing. The work positions collagen targeting as a strategy to improve tumor visualization where conventional imaging may struggle with sensitivity at early metastatic burden. If clinical translation holds up, it could support better staging and treatment planning. For developers, the key next step will be establishing safety, contrast performance in humans, and whether imaging endpoints correlate with clinical outcomes.