Here, we uncover delta-like non-canonical Notch ligand 1 (DLK1) as a cell surface protein with limited normal tissue expression and high expression in multiple refractory adult metastatic cancers including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer with few effective therapies. Here, DLK1 is linked to metastatic malignant neoplasm.