Taiwan, Japan, France interested in Volition’s cancer test

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Volition, a Belgium-based company specializing in epigenetic blood tests, showcased its groundbreaking cancer detection technology on Friday (Dec. 6) at the Taipei Medical University Pavilion during the Healthcare Expo Taiwan (台灣醫療科技展). The company's innovative tests focus on identifying epigenetic biomarkers, which can facilitate the early detection of certain cancers using minimal blood samples.

Early Detection and Global Interest

Jasmine Kway, CEO of Singapore Volition, highlighted the company's recent pilot study conducted in collaboration with the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH, 台大醫院). The study focused on lung cancer screenings, demonstrating the test's ability to predict whether nodules detected via CT scans are cancerous. "We found that our test is able to predict whether the nodules detected by CT scans are cancerous or not," Kway said.

This advancement is significant, as it could reduce the need for invasive lung biopsies, which often reveal non-cancerous nodules and create unnecessary stress and expenses for patients. The NTUH is currently validating Volition's lung cancer detection test. Upon completion, the test is set to be integrated into the hospital's screening program by 2026. This promising development has also garnered interest from Japan and France, which are considering implementing the test in their pilot national screening programs.

Significant Clinical Trials and Technological Advancements
Volition's innovative approach has led to its selection for a 500-patient clinical trial program as part of Taiwan's Lung Cancer Early Detection Program. Involving 167 hospitals across 22 cities and counties, this significant trial aims to further validate the test's effectiveness. The automated test, which can be routinely used, boasts a sensitivity rate of nearly 95% in detecting tumor nodules.

Kway emphasized the potential impact of this technology, explaining, "NTU Hospital is currently validating our lung cancer detection test, and on completion, they will implement this test in their screening program in 2026." The success of these trials could revolutionize lung cancer screenings by offering a less invasive, more accurate alternative to traditional methods.

Volition's presentation at the Healthcare Expo Taiwan underscores the growing importance of epigenetics in the medical field and the potential for these advancements to transform cancer detection and treatment worldwide. As Taiwan continues to lead the way in early cancer detection initiatives, Volition's technology stands poised to make a significant impact on global healthcare practices.