VolitionRx (NYSE-A:VNRX) said it will participate in a government-backed prospective study to evaluate the performance of blood biomarkers in the early detection of lung cancer with Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), France's second largest university hospital.
The Lyonnaise Initiative for the Initiation of Lung Cancer Screening (ILYAD) is a wide-ranging clinical study assessing the feasibility of a lung cancer screening program and the effectiveness of screening, according to Volition.
Over the next year, the ILYAD study will evaluate the performance of Volition's Nu.Q test as a blood biomarker for the early detection of lung cancer, when used alone and in conjunction with a CT scan.
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Volition COO Gael Forterre noted that lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with 1.8 million cases each year.
“We know that screening saves lives and there is a real unmet need for lung cancer screening globally. Our colleagues at HCL have recognized that need and we're proud to be part of their pioneering ILYAD study, with the ultimate goal of developing a national screening program," Forterre said in a statement.
Henderson, Nevada-based Volition said its Nu.Q test is based on the science of nucleosomics – which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid – as an indication that disease is present.
“The ILYAD team will use our Nu.Q technology to study the clinical performance of circulating nucleosomes and assess their effectiveness in the early detection of lung cancer," Forterre said.
Volition said it expects over 400 subjects will take part in the study over the next year, encompassing a smoking cessation and lung cancer awareness campaign, one-on-one intervention, and screening opportunities.
Contact the author at susie@proactiveinvestors.com