VolitionRx Unveils Groundbreaking Technique for Liquid Biopsy with 180-Fold Enrichment
VolitionRx Unveils Groundbreaking Technique for Liquid Biopsy with 180-Fold Enrichment
VolitionRx Limited, a prominent name in the field of epigenetics, has marked a monumental milestone in cancer detection technology. The company has recently announced the preprint release of a pivotal manuscript detailing a pioneering approach titled Capture-Seq. This innovative method enhances liquid biopsy capabilities, particularly by addressing the significant challenge of identifying cancer-related DNA within a multitude of non-cancerous genetic material
Innovating in Biomarker Detection
The manuscript, entitled Direct analysis of transcription factor protected cfDNA in plasma by ChIP-seq Measurement of altered CTCF binding in cancer is a novel biomarker for liquid biopsy, introduces a sophisticated technique for quantifying ultrashort DNA fragments in blood. By focusing on transcription factor-bound DNA, VolitionRx aims to reveal new cancer biomarkers that have previously eluded conventional testing methods.
This breakthrough has led to an astonishing 180-fold (18,000%) enrichment of relevant cell-free DNA (cfDNA) samples, greatly enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection tests. Unlike traditional methods that necessitate extracting DNA from blood samples, often losing crucial contextual information tied to its chromosomal structure, Capture-Seq preserves the integrity of the DNA, allowing for more accurate analyses.
The Science Behind the Breakthrough
Dr. Jake Micallef, the Chief Scientific Officer at Volition, heralded the development as a potential game-changer in cancer diagnostics. He remarked that this technique is the first to physically separate transcription factor-bound DNA from the overwhelming background noise of non-cancerous DNA, thus solving the proverbial 'needle in a haystack' dilemma faced by many liquid biopsy tests.
VolitionRx's technology remarkably cleanses the samples by removing 99% of non-relevant DNA, enabling the focus to remain solely on ultrashort transcription factor-bound DNA. This drastic reduction in background material not only enhances detection efficacy but also promises to lower testing costs significantly, revolutionizing early cancer detection and management strategies.
Promising Results from Initial Studies
Early data from a limited training cohort involving 70 participants, which included patients with various cancers such as breast and prostate cancer, demonstrated the method's potential. Notably, Capture-Seq achieved 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting cancer, including early-stage tumors, with no false positives reported—a remarkable feat in the field of diagnostic testing.
Future Prospects and Commercial Opportunities
As the excitement builds around this breakthrough technology, Mr. Gael Forterre, Volition's Chief Commercial Officer, pointed out the expanding commercial opportunities it presents. The company is currently working to integrate Capture-Seq into their existing Nu.Q® portfolio, which already includes diagnostic tools for various cancers. With an estimated Total Addressable Market (TAM) of approximately $23 billion, VolitionRx is proactively searching for strategic partnerships to expedite the commercialization and implementation of this innovative testing technology.
Conclusion
Volition's recent advancements not only hold the potential to transform cancer diagnostics but also pave the way for cheaper, more efficient testing procedures that can ultimately save lives. As the investigation continues, and with larger validation studies on the horizon, VolitionRx is set to remain at the forefront of the fight against cancer, armed with groundbreaking scientific techniques and a commitment to improving patient outcomes across the globe.
Topics Health）
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