Volition's Capture-Seq Technology Achieves Breakthrough 180-Fold Enrichment in Liquid Biopsy Research

VolitionRx Ltd., a multi-national epigenetics company, has announced a significant advancement in liquid biopsy technology through the development of its Capture-Seq method. The new approach focuses on analyzing transcription factor-protected ultrashort DNA fragments in blood as potential low-cost cancer biomarkers, achieving an unprecedented 180-fold enrichment of transcription factor-bound fragments. This breakthrough addresses what has been described as liquid biopsy's "needle in a haystack" problem by concentrating on DNA in its natural chromosomal context rather than chemically extracted DNA.

The research, detailed in a manuscript titled "Direct analysis of transcription factor protected cfDNA in plasma by ChIP-seq," represents a fundamental shift in how circulating DNA is analyzed for cancer detection. By overcoming the longstanding challenge of overwhelming background DNA in liquid biopsy testing, Volition's method could significantly improve the sensitivity and reliability of blood-based cancer screening. Early findings from a 70-person training cohort demonstrated remarkable results, with 100 percent sensitivity and 100 percent specificity across several cancers, including early-stage disease.

Volition is currently developing two patent-pending technologies to isolate ultrashort DNA fragments and is actively exploring commercial applications through discussions with potential licensing partners. The company plans to expand its Nu.Q portfolio with this new biomarker class, which could transform cancer detection and monitoring. The implications of this research extend beyond immediate clinical applications, potentially enabling more accessible and affordable cancer screening worldwide.

For the broader medical and biotechnology industries, Volition's breakthrough represents a potential paradigm shift in liquid biopsy development. The 180-fold enrichment achieved through Capture-Seq technology addresses one of the most significant limitations in current liquid biopsy approaches—the difficulty of detecting minute cancer signals amidst vast amounts of normal DNA. This advancement could accelerate the adoption of liquid biopsies for routine cancer screening, moving beyond their current role primarily in monitoring treatment response in advanced cancers.

The company's focus on epigenetics and earlier disease detection aligns with growing global emphasis on preventive healthcare and early intervention strategies. As detailed in their research available at https://ibn.fm/5QHbn, Volition's approach could make cancer screening more accessible by reducing costs and complexity compared to traditional tissue biopsies. The potential impact on patient outcomes is substantial, as earlier detection typically correlates with better treatment success rates and improved survival outcomes across multiple cancer types.

Volition's multinational research and development operations, with centers in Belgium, the United States, and London, position the company to advance this technology through global collaborations. The development of Capture-Seq technology represents not just a technical achievement but a potential catalyst for broader changes in how cancer is detected and monitored. As the company moves toward commercial applications, the medical community will be watching closely to see how this 180-fold enrichment translates into real-world clinical benefits for patients facing cancer diagnoses.