VolitionRx Ltd., a multi-national epigenetics company, has announced a significant advancement in liquid biopsy technology that addresses one of the field's most persistent challenges. The company's new Capture-Seq method achieves 180-fold enrichment of transcription factor-bound DNA fragments in blood plasma, representing an 18,000% improvement over existing approaches. This breakthrough could transform cancer detection by making liquid biopsies more sensitive and cost-effective.
The research, detailed in a preprint manuscript titled "Direct analysis of transcription factor protected cfDNA in plasma by ChIP-seq," demonstrates how Volition's approach focuses on DNA in its natural chromosomal context rather than chemically extracted DNA. This methodological shift allows researchers to overcome the "needle in a haystack" problem that has plagued liquid biopsy testing, where cancer biomarkers must be identified against overwhelming background DNA. The company's website at https://www.Volition.com provides additional information about their epigenetic research programs.
Early clinical data from a 70-person training cohort showed particularly promising results. The technology demonstrated 100 percent sensitivity and 100 percent specificity across several cancer types, including early-stage disease. These findings suggest that Capture-Seq could enable earlier cancer detection than currently available methods, potentially improving patient outcomes through timely intervention.
Volition is developing two patent-pending technologies to isolate ultrashort DNA fragments and is actively exploring commercial applications. The company is in discussions with potential licensing partners and considering expansion of its Nu.Q portfolio. This development represents a significant step toward making liquid biopsy a practical, widespread tool for cancer screening and monitoring.
The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond technical achievement. If successfully commercialized, Capture-Seq could make cancer screening more accessible and affordable, potentially saving lives through earlier detection. The technology's ability to identify early-stage cancers with high accuracy addresses a critical need in oncology, where early intervention often determines treatment success. More details about the research are available in the full press release at https://ibn.fm/5QHbn.
Volition's approach to analyzing transcription factor-protected DNA fragments represents a new class of biomarkers that could complement or replace existing detection methods. By focusing on epigenetic markers rather than genetic mutations alone, the technology may provide a more comprehensive view of cancer biology. This advancement comes at a time when the global liquid biopsy market is expanding rapidly, driven by demand for less invasive diagnostic options.
The company's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with additional facilities in the United States and London. As Volition moves forward with commercial development, the medical community will be watching closely to see if these promising early results translate into clinical utility. The potential impact on cancer detection and patient care makes this development particularly significant for healthcare systems worldwide.
