Advancing cancer diagnostics for both ends of the leash

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to balance and optimise the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. By linking human and animal health, Volition aims to address the early diagnosis of life-altering diseases in both humans and animals.

We have witnessed the strides made in cancer treatment over the last two decades. Yet, despite these advances, cancer screening has often been overlooked, underfunded, and less prioritized. This has driven our team to explore innovative testing methods that are faster, less invasive, and more accessible.

Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles , Volition Veterinary CMO, has always had a special interest in translational medicine , studying how research in animals could be translated into humans, beginning her research using Volition’s Nucleosomics™ platform, with a proof-of-concept study using samples of healthy and diseased dogs.

Starting his work with Volition in an advisory capacity in 2022, Dr. Andrew Retter was appointed as Volition’s Chief Medical Officer in April 2024. He is tasked with providing medical leadership and ensuring the company’s scientific and clinical efforts are aligned with patient needs.

By integrating advancements in epigenetics, nucleosomes, and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), Volition is on its way to unlocking new possibilities to detect life-altering diseases such as cancer and sepsis, tests for remission, and monitor drug efficacy for humans and animals.

Bridging human and veterinary research

Volition’s patented Nucleosomics™ technology isolates circulating nucleosomes from blood for quantification and analysis, enabling earlier detection and monitoring of diseases.

What makes this work particularly exciting is the unique synergy between human and veterinary diagnostics. Dogs, whose disease progression occurs more rapidly than in humans, provide an invaluable model for refining tests that can be applied across species. The insights gained from these studies not only advance veterinary medicine but also accelerate innovations in human diagnostics.

The role of veterinary oncology in breakthrough screening and monitoring tools

Dr. Wilson-Robles’ research has long focused on improving canine models of paediatric and adult cancers and translating those findings to benefit both species. Through proof-of-concept studies and pre-analytical work, using bio-banked samples from healthy and diseased dogs, Volition Veterinary developed the Nu.Q ® Vet Test.

This test has demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity in detecting canine cancers such as hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma—conditions that account for almost a third of canine cancers. Heather and her team have found the success of this work deeply rewarding, as it reinforces the potential for shared breakthroughs across species. The Nu.Q ® Vet Cancer Test is now available in 20 countries (and growing) through various partners, including some of the biggest animal health companies in the world.

Personal Motivation

Dr Wilson-Robles said:

“For me, this work is personal. If there’s a chance, we can catch cancer in dogs a little earlier and provide a better outcome for them, that’s huge for those of us who care deeply about beating cancer.

“Volition’s human division is focusing on a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer. This cause is especially close to my heart as my late husband passed away at the age of 35 because of colon cancer. The possibility of developing a non-invasive early screening test for my children as they grow up would mean the world to me.

Dr. Heather Wilson-Robles

Chief Medical Officer, Volition Veterinary

Diagnostics for All: Looking Ahead

The synergy between veterinary and human research remains a driving force for everyone working at Volition and Volition Veterinary. We have recently completed human trials in sepsis, lung cancer and other cancers alongside proof-of-concept studies for emerging technologies.

Dr. Retter commented:

“In the healthcare profession, our goal is to detect disease early, treat patients rapidly and then be able to monitor treatment response. Volition’s pioneering technology has the potential to do just that, which hopefully will significantly improve patient outcomes.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to investing in both human and animal testing; this holistic approach allows us to advance nucleosome-based research across species, creating a powerful feedback loop that benefits patients at both ends of the leash.”

Dr. Andrew Retter

Chief Medical Officer, Volition

Volition’s work exemplifies the principles of the One Health approach, with a focus on the interconnectedness of human and animal health. By integrating research and innovations across species, we are improving diagnostics and contributing to a broader understanding of disease mechanisms that impact multiple species.

To learn more about One Health approach and its global implications, visit the European Commission’s One Health overview and the World Health Organization’s One Health initiative .

• Press Releases Volition Announces Submission of Manuscript for Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test in Cats. The publication of this study in a peer reviewed journal is expected subsequently to unlock a $5 million contractual milestone payment

• Press Releases Volition Announces First Ever Automated Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test with Fujifilm Vet Systems

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