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 a truncated CCN 1 cancer selective promoter (tCCN1-Prom) are provided, as are cells and transgenic animals that contain such vectors. The vectors are used in cancer therapy and/or diagnostics, and the transgenic mice are used to monitor cancer progression, e.g. in screening assays.