VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX), a pioneering company specializing in epigenetics, has recently shared promising results from its latest research concerning lung cancer detection. Conducted with 800 participants, this extensive study focused on the effectiveness of the Nu.Q® Cancer Test in differentiating between malignant and benign pulmonary nodules identified through Low Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT).
Study Overview
The research, spearheaded by Professor Jin-Shing Chen at National Taiwan University Hospital, aimed to address a critical challenge in lung cancer screening: the high rate of false positives that commonly complicates early diagnosis. While LDCT stands as a gold standard for screening, its sensitivity often leads to over-diagnosis, prompting unnecessary invasive procedures for many patients with benign conditions.
Utilizing two specific Nu.Q® nucleosome quantification assays, known as H3.1 and H3K27Me3, the study revealed an impressive diagnostic sensitivity of 92%. Moreover, it demonstrated a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 89% when used in conjunction with LDCT screening. These figures underscore the potential of the Nu.Q® Cancer Test to serve as a reliable tool for clinicians, particularly in categorizing pulmonary nodules across various Lung-RADS classifications.
Clinical Implications
Professor Chen remarked on the significant impact these findings might have on lung cancer management. "Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, making accurate diagnosis pivotal. Our research indicates that the Nu.Q® Cancer Test could play a vital role in accurately classifying nodules and differentiating between those requiring immediate intervention and those that can be monitored," he stated.
VolitionRx is committed to reducing the need for invasive procedures through innovative testing. The planned follow-up study, involving 500 patients in real-world settings at the National Taiwan University Hospital and its Cancer Centre, is set to commence shortly and is slated for completion in 2025. This validation study could potentially lead to incorporating the Nu.Q® Cancer Test into Taiwan's National Lung Cancer Screening Program, representing a significant advancement in non-invasive lung cancer diagnostics.
Business Outlook
Jasmine Kway, CEO of Singapore Volition, highlighted the pressing demand for accurate, non-invasive tests within the clinical landscape. She stated, "Our research underscores that there's an unfulfilled need for effective tools in lung cancer diagnostics, and our Nu.Q® biomarkers have exhibited remarkable sensitivity and precision. This breakthrough could empower physicians to make informed decisions regarding patient management, ensuring better outcomes and minimizing unnecessary procedures."
About VolitionRx
Established to transform cancer diagnostics, VolitionRx focuses on developing user-friendly, cost-effective blood tests designed to detect and monitor a variety of diseases, including multiple types of cancer. With research and development primarily based in Belgium, the company operates globally, with facilities and offices across the US, UK, Singapore, and beyond. The ongoing commitment to early detection and continuous monitoring exemplifies their mission to improve patient health outcomes significantly.
To learn more about VolitionRx's innovative technologies and their potential impact on healthcare, visit
www.volition.com.