Volition's Nu.Q® Cancer Test Set to Transform the Liquid Biopsy Market with Accurate Detection

Revolutionizing Cancer Detection with Volition's Nu.Q® Test

In recent years, the fight against cancer has seen significant advancements, but the early detection of this formidable disease remains a pressing challenge. VolitionRx Limited, a multinational company specializing in epigenetics, is on the cusp of changing the landscape of cancer diagnostics with its innovative Nu.Q® Cancer test. Announced on March 21, 2025, the results of a groundbreaking study highlight the potential of this automated test to accurately detect 21 types of cancers, paving the way for earlier and more efficient diagnoses.

A Breakthrough in Cancer Diagnostics

Volition's Nu.Q® Cancer test employs a novel immunoassay method, allowing for the measurement of small amounts of cell-free nucleosomes found in the blood. A recent study involving 229 cancer patients—70 of whom were in the early stages of cancer—and 150 healthy participants demonstrated its effectiveness. The results show an impressive accuracy rate, with an overall area under the curve (AUC) of 86%. More importantly, the test offers low false positive rates among healthy individuals. This capability could classify it as a standalone pan-cancer test or enhance other existing liquid biopsy technologies, boosting overall diagnostic accuracy.

Gael Forterre, Chief Commercial Officer at Volition, expressed the company's mission succinctly: “Our aim has always been to help detect cancer early, with the ultimate goal of saving lives and improving patient outcomes. The validation of our Nu.Q® platform represents a remarkable opportunity to disrupt the $20 billion liquid biopsy market in the U.S.”

Commercial Strategy and Industry Impact

With an eye toward future applications, Volition is actively engaging in discussions with major diagnostic and liquid biopsy firms to establish licensing agreements. This strategy includes not only receiving milestone payments but also generating ongoing revenue from their cancer portfolio. Notably, Volition's nucleosome assays can be easily integrated into existing automated chemiluminescence platforms globally, negating the need for completely new hardware. This accessibility is crucial for the widespread adoption of the Nu.Q® test.

A Shift Towards Early Detection

Dr. Jake Micallef, the company's Chief Scientific Officer, underscored the critical nature of early cancer detection. Traditionally, cancer diagnoses occur late when the disease is often harder to treat and more lethal. By introducing an accurate and cost-effective solution like the Nu.Q® Cancer test, Volition is poised to change this paradigm, aiming to identify cancerous conditions in stages I and II before symptoms develop. This proactive approach could significantly reduce the necessity for invasive biopsies and improve treatment options and outcomes for those affected by cancer.

Collaborative Efforts in Research

The promising results of the study will also contribute to collaborative research efforts in oncology. Professor Léa Payen from the Hospices Civils de Lyon emphasizes, “Circulating nucleosome levels show great promise as clinically useful biomarkers in oncology. We are working with Volition to advance nucleosome measurements not only for early cancer detection but also for managing cancer patients—especially in detecting minimal residual disease to assess treatment effectiveness.”

About VolitionRx Limited

Founded with the aim of transforming the way diseases are diagnosed and monitored, VolitionRx continues to focus on enhancing the science of epigenetics. The company develops and commercializes easy-to-use blood tests intended for a range of diseases, inclusive of various cancers, with the ultimate aim of prolonging and improving the quality of life for patients.

With research and innovation centered in Belgium and additional offices in the U.S. and London, VolitionRx is on an ambitious journey to reshape cancer diagnostics and harness the power of epigenetics in fighting life-altering diseases. As they open up prospects for collaboration and licensing, the Nu.Q® test beckons a new era in early cancer detection that could inevitably save countless lives.