By Samantha Bartlett

Texas A&M researchers are collaborating with technology company, VolitionRx to develop a new cancer screening test for canines. The test works by detecting higher than normal concentrations of nucleosomes circulating in the blood. 

Nucleosomes are DNA fragments that circulate in the blood stream. These fragments are usually released from white blood cells, but cancer cells can also secrete nucleosomes. Circulating nucleosome levels increase with during immune system response, inflammation and certain types of cancers. VolitionRx’s Nu.Q Assay technology identifies and enriches cancer specific nucleosomes in the bloodstream. 

The head researcher on the project, Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles, envisions the test as a healthy pet screen that may point toward the need for further diagnostics, or as a screen for pets in remission. Dr. Wilson-Robles hopes the test will be available later this year. 

VolitionRx deals mainly with human cancer screening products, focusing on colorectal, pancreatic, lung and prostate cancers. Recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are not promising, indicating the company is losing money and may not be able to sustain relations for the next year without further funding. Since that time, the company has announced further breakthroughs with its Nu.Q Assay platform and seen a subsequent increase in stock value. The agreement with Texas A&M would give the university a 12.5% share in VolitionRx’s veterinary products.