Last week, epigenetics company Volition announced their Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test, a cancer detection test that promises quick, accurate canine cancer screenings.
This week, at the 2023 Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, Volition will officially reveal their Nu.Q Canine Cancer Screening and Monitor Test, available through the Heska Corporation. Notably, the test will operate on Heska’s Element-i+ point-of-care platform, letting healthcare providers process and analyze samples immediately.
Dr. Tom Butera, CEO of Volition Veterinary, said: “This is a breakthrough moment for Volition: it is the first time the Nu.Q® platform is available outside of centralized laboratory testing.” According to Butera, working with Heska allowed Volition to make their Nu.Q technology more accessible and affordable, as well. However, the test will still be available at central reference laboratories.
A cancer test that allows for rapid detection, even before symptoms appear
Interestingly, the Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test was the subject of an August 2021 study concerning dogs with lymphoma. In that study, Volition researchers applied their patented Nucleosomics™ technology, already successful in human trials, to 260 dogs.
According to the study, “Diseases such as cancer or inflammation lead to cell death where chromatin is fragmentated[sic] and released as mononucleosomes into the blood.” Essentially, the Nu.Q test is a liquid biopsy test, searching blood plasma for these mononucleosomes. If it detects an abnormal concentration, there’s a considerable chance of cancer.
Of all the dogs studied, 126 had varying stages of lymphoma. Amazingly, the test readily detected high mononucleosome concentrations in all the positive dogs. From that, researchers confirmed that the technology was relevant and applicable to dogs as well.
An amazing medical breakthrough
Not surprisingly, liquid biopsies are a recent innovation in medicine that makes cancer detection — and treatment — more effective. As such, it’s wonderful and welcome to see dogs have access to this type of care.
In Volition’s official press release, Kevin Wilson, Heska’s CEO and President shared his thoughts on the test. Confidently, he said, “With this forthcoming launch, millions of pets will have access to critical cancer screening and monitoring in the clinic.” Incredibly, Wilson believes the Nu.Q detection test will “revolutionize canine cancer care management.”
Currently, the Nu.Q test is available for pre-order. Hopefully, it will begin arriving at vet offices later this year.
