New Blood Test Promises Early Cancer Detection for Millions of Cats

HENDERSON, Nev. – January 08, 2026 – A major breakthrough in veterinary medicine could soon change how cancer is detected in cats, offering a new tool for early diagnosis in one of the world's most beloved companion animals. Epigenetics company VolitionRx Limited has announced compelling clinical data for its Nu.Q® Vet Feline assay, a simple blood test designed to detect the most common feline cancer, lymphoma.

In a company-reported clinical study, the liquid biopsy test demonstrated remarkable accuracy, detecting over 80% of feline lymphomas while maintaining 100% specificity, meaning no false positives were recorded among the healthy cat population in the trial. This development paves the way for what the company expects will be the world's first widely accessible and affordable blood-based screening test for cancer in cats, addressing a significant unmet need and potentially shifting the paradigm from reactive treatment to proactive wellness monitoring.

A Leap Forward in Veterinary Diagnostics

For veterinarians and cat owners, a cancer diagnosis is often a devastating event, frequently made only after the animal begins showing clear signs of illness such as weight loss, lethargy, or visible tumors. Historically, confirming a diagnosis has required invasive, costly, and stressful procedures, including surgical biopsies that necessitate anesthesia or advanced imaging like CT scans and ultrasounds. These hurdles can lead to delayed diagnosis, allowing the disease to progress and limiting treatment options.

VolitionRx aims to overcome these challenges with its Nu.Q® technology, which represents a significant scientific advancement in the field of liquid biopsies. The test does not detect the cancer cells themselves, but rather the epigenetic signatures they leave behind in the bloodstream. It works by identifying and quantifying circulating nucleosomes—the fundamental units of DNA packaging within a cell's nucleus. All cells release nucleosomes when they die, but cancerous tumors, characterized by rapid and chaotic cell growth and death, shed them into the bloodstream at a much higher rate. The Nu.Q® assay measures these elevated levels, acting as a highly sensitive biomarker for potential malignancy.

"Historically, cancer in cats has been notoriously difficult to diagnose early, often requiring invasive biopsies or expensive imaging after symptoms have already progressed," commented Frédéric Wuilque, VP-Global Products at Volition. "Veterinarians have been asking for a feline solution for years. Our mission is to make cancer screening a routine part of every pet's annual wellness check."

By integrating a simple blood draw into a cat's yearly visit, veterinarians could soon have a powerful, non-invasive tool to screen for lymphoma, particularly in high-risk and senior feline populations. This early warning system could lead to quicker follow-up diagnostics and earlier intervention, dramatically improving the chances of successful treatment and enhancing the animal's quality of life.

Tapping into a Growing Market

The announcement signals not only a clinical breakthrough but also a significant commercial opportunity. The companion animal health market is substantial and growing, with pet owners increasingly willing to invest in advanced care for their animals. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 73.8 million pet cats. With studies suggesting that approximately one in five cats will develop cancer in their lifetime, the need for better diagnostics is immense.

The senior cat population represents a particularly crucial segment. Over 25% of U.S. cats are aged eight or older, placing them at a higher risk for cancer. This translates to a recurring annual screening opportunity for over 18 million pets in the U.S. alone, creating a vast and sustainable market for an affordable and accurate test.

Industry analysis underscores this potential, with the North American veterinary oncology market having been projected to reach $1.77 billion by 2025. Notably, the feline segment was expected to grow at a faster rate than the canine market, fueled by greater owner awareness and an expanding portfolio of feline-specific treatments. VolitionRx is poised to capitalize on this trend.

"This represents a tremendous commercial opportunity for Volition," stated Gael Forterre, the company's Chief Commercial Officer. He noted that the subsequent publication of the clinical study in a peer-reviewed journal is expected to trigger a $5 million contractual milestone payment. Furthermore, he emphasized the long-term value, stating, "we will also generate ongoing revenue, in this large and growing market where our technology meets an unmet need."

Building on Canine Success

VolitionRx is not new to the veterinary diagnostics space. The Nu.Q® Vet Feline assay follows the company's successful international rollout of its canine equivalent, the Nu.Q® Vet Canine Cancer Test. Already available in more than 20 countries, the canine test has established a strong precedent for the technology's clinical utility and market acceptance. Published studies on the canine test have shown it can detect common cancers like lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma with high accuracy, providing veterinarians with a reliable tool for their screening programs.

The existing infrastructure built for the canine test—including established relationships with reference laboratories and distribution networks—is expected to facilitate a rapid and efficient launch of the new feline test. This strategic expansion could significantly amplify the company's footprint in the companion animal sector. As Forterre highlighted, "we believe the addition of a feline equivalent could potentially double our total addressable market in the companion animal space."

This established track record provides a solid foundation, suggesting the company has a clear and tested pathway from clinical development to commercialization. By leveraging its existing platform, Volition can streamline the process of getting this vital new tool into the hands of veterinary professionals worldwide.

From Promising Data to Clinical Practice

While the initial results are highly promising, the next step for the Nu.Q® Vet Feline assay is the formal process of scientific validation. The company has announced that it expects the study data to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This step is critical in the scientific and medical communities, as it allows independent experts to scrutinize the study's methodology, data, and conclusions, ensuring the results are robust and reliable. The anticipated $5 million milestone payment tied to this publication highlights its importance for the company's business strategy.

Following publication, the test must navigate the regulatory landscape for veterinary diagnostics, which varies by region. In the United States, this involves pathways overseen by agencies like the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the USDA. Manufacturers must provide extensive validation data to support the claims made about their products. However, Volition's experience with its canine test in over 20 countries demonstrates its capability in meeting these complex requirements.

The introduction of a validated, non-invasive screening test for feline lymphoma stands to transform the standard of veterinary care. It offers the potential to shift the focus from treating advanced disease to catching it at its earliest, most treatable stages. For millions of cat owners, this technology offers more than just convenience; it provides hope and the invaluable gift of more healthy years with their beloved companions. This shift towards proactive screening could ultimately redefine feline wellness for years to come.