VolitionRx Limited (NYSE:VNRX) (“Volition”), a multi-national epigenetics company, has announced a sponsored research agreement with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to evaluate the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (“NETs”) in cancer patients with sepsis.
The study will be led by Jyotika Sharma, Professor of Critical Care Medicine and titled “Correlation of Circulating NETs and Cell Free DNA with Inflammatory Immune Responses in Cancer Patients with Sepsis”. The trial will use Volition’s Nu.Q® NETs test for the study, which was CE marked earlier this year for the detection and evaluation of NETosis.
Dr Jake Micallef, Chief Scientific Officer at Volition, said: “There is an abundance of research into both cancer and sepsis, but relatively few investigations into sepsis in cancer. Cancer patients have a weakened immune system and have a 10 times higher likelihood of developing sepsis and are also more likely to die if they develop it1. Therefore, it is critical for physicians to identify cancer patients at risk of sepsis early and initiate treatment quickly to improve patient outcomes. This is an important study evaluating the potential utility of NETs measurement in the management of cancer patients at risk of sepsis and we’re delighted to collaborate on this research.”
Several publications2-5 report the use of Volition’s Nu.Q® NETs test showing that the high levels of NETs produced in sepsis, COVID-19 and other conditions are associated with, and predictive of, a severe reaction and organ failure.
NETosis is a unique form of cell death that is characterized by the release of NETs, composed of decondensed chromatin, that trap and kill bacteria and viral particles. Although NETs play an important role in our immune system, excessive production can lead to tissue damage and, in severe cases, sepsis, shock, and death.
Volition is developing simple, easy-to-use, cost-effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of life-altering diseases in both humans and animals. For more information about Volition’s Nu.Q® technology go to: www.volition.com
