VolitionRx Ltd. (NYSE American: VNRX) announced the preprint release of research introducing Capture-Seq, a novel method for analyzing transcription factor–protected ultrashort DNA fragments in blood as potential low-cost cancer biomarkers. The manuscript, titled "Direct analysis of transcription factor protected cfDNA in plasma by ChIP-seq," highlights Volition's achievement of 180-fold enrichment of transcription factor–bound fragments. This breakthrough addresses a longstanding challenge in liquid biopsy testing: the overwhelming background DNA that makes detecting cancer-related signals akin to finding a needle in a haystack.
By focusing on DNA in its natural chromosomal context rather than on chemically extracted DNA, the new method significantly enriches relevant fragments. Early findings from a 70-person training cohort showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity across several cancers, including early-stage disease, underscoring the promise of this new biomarker class. Volition is developing two patent-pending technologies to isolate ultrashort DNA fragments and is in discussions with potential licensing partners as it explores commercial applications, including expansion of its Nu.Q portfolio.
The implications of this announcement are substantial for the field of liquid biopsy. Current liquid biopsy tests often struggle with sensitivity, particularly in early-stage cancers, due to the low abundance of tumor-derived DNA in the blood. Volition's approach, by enriching transcription factor–bound fragments, could dramatically improve detection rates. The company's ability to achieve 180-fold enrichment suggests that even minute quantities of cancer-related DNA can be isolated and analyzed, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of treatment response.
Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and an office in London. The company is dedicated to advancing the science of epigenetics and developing simple, cost-effective blood tests for a range of diseases, including some cancers and diseases associated with NETosis, such as sepsis. For further information, visit the company's website at www.Volition.com.
This research represents a significant step forward in the quest for highly sensitive, non-invasive cancer detection. If validated in larger studies, Capture-Seq could become a cornerstone technology for early cancer screening and monitoring. The full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/5QHbn.
