VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX) has announced the results of a new clinical study showing the prognostic value of its Nu.Q Cancer Assay in patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer. The study, conducted in collaboration with researchers and clinicians at France’s Hospices Civils de Lyon, found that levels of the assay’s H3K27Me3-nucleosome biomarker correlated with cancer stage, overall survival, and progression-free survival. A prognostic model that combined the biomarker with clinical factors successfully stratified patients into low- and high-risk mortality groups. The paper is currently under peer review.
The findings represent a significant step toward integrating blood-based epigenetic testing into routine cancer care. According to Volition, the results support the potential use of Nu.Q Cancer to help personalize treatment selection and improve clinical decision-making. This could have a direct impact on lung cancer patients, who often face poor prognoses and limited options for monitoring disease progression. By identifying patients at higher risk of mortality earlier, clinicians may be able to tailor therapies more effectively, potentially improving outcomes.
The implications extend beyond individual patient care. Volition noted that clinical certification of the Nu.Q Cancer test at Hospices Civils de Lyon has been completed, and the company is preparing a reimbursement submission in France under the RIHN framework. Reimbursement is a key milestone for routine clinical use in France, and successful navigation of this process could open the door to broader adoption across European healthcare systems. Volition is also pursuing commercialization opportunities with hospital networks and potential licensing partners internationally. This suggests that the assay could become a standard tool for lung cancer management, impacting not only patients but also healthcare providers and payers by enabling more cost-effective, personalized treatment strategies.
The study’s real-world design strengthens its relevance, as it reflects outcomes in typical clinical settings rather than controlled trial environments. This may accelerate acceptance among oncologists who require practical evidence of a test’s utility. For the broader industry, the Nu.Q Cancer Assay exemplifies the growing trend toward liquid biopsy and epigenetic biomarkers for cancer detection and monitoring. If reimbursement and commercialization succeed, it could pave the way for similar assays targeting other cancers and diseases, such as sepsis, which Volition is also exploring through its Nu.Q platform.
Volition’s focus on epigenetics—the study of chemical modifications to DNA that regulate gene expression—positions it at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field. The Nu.Q Cancer Assay measures levels of circulating nucleosomes, specifically the H3K27Me3 modification, which has been linked to cancer progression. This non-invasive blood test offers a simple, cost-effective alternative to tissue biopsies, which are invasive and sometimes not feasible. For lung cancer patients, who often undergo repeated scans and biopsies, a blood test could reduce burden and enable more frequent monitoring.
The announcement underscores the importance of continued investment in precision oncology. As Volition advances toward regulatory and reimbursement milestones, the Nu.Q Cancer Assay could become a critical tool in the fight against lung cancer, ultimately saving lives and improving quality of life for patients worldwide. For more information, visit Volition's website and read the full press release here.
