VolitionRx Ltd., a multi-national epigenetics company, announced the preprint release of research introducing Capture-Seq, a new method for analyzing transcription factor-protected ultrashort DNA fragments in blood as potential low-cost cancer biomarkers. The manuscript, titled "Direct analysis of transcription factor protected cfDNA in plasma by ChIP-seq," highlights Volition's achievement of 180-fold enrichment of transcription factor-bound fragments by focusing on DNA in its natural chromosomal context rather than on chemically extracted DNA. This advancement overcomes the longstanding challenge of overwhelming background DNA in liquid biopsy testing, often described as finding a "needle in a haystack."
Early findings from a 70-person training cohort showed 100 percent sensitivity and 100 percent specificity across several cancers, including early-stage disease, underscoring the promise of this new biomarker class. The research is available for review at https://ibn.fm/5QHbn. The implications of this research are substantial for early cancer detection, as current liquid biopsy methods often struggle with sensitivity issues, particularly for early-stage cancers where tumor DNA in the bloodstream is minimal. By achieving such dramatic enrichment of relevant biomarkers, Volition's technology could enable earlier and more accurate cancer detection through simple blood tests.
Volition is developing two patent-pending technologies to isolate ultrashort DNA fragments and is in discussions with potential licensing partners as it explores commercial applications, including expansion of its Nu.Q portfolio. The company's approach represents a significant step forward in making liquid biopsy testing more accessible and cost-effective for cancer detection and monitoring. For further information about the company's broader research and development efforts, additional details can be found at https://www.Volition.com. The company maintains research and development activities in Belgium with additional facilities in the United States and London, focusing on advancing epigenetics science for disease detection and monitoring.
