South Island Researcher Advances Cancer Detection with New Device

A childhood experience with a friend’s cancer diagnosis has inspired Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz, a researcher at the University of Otago, to develop a groundbreaking tool for early cancer detection. Dr. Cocadiz has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship from the Cancer Society as part of its 2025 National Research Grant Round. This funding will support her innovative work focused on improving the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

Dr. Cocadiz’s research revolves around circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which consists of DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. The concentration of ctDNA is generally higher in patients with advanced cancer, providing a potential biomarker for early detection. To enhance diagnostic capabilities, Dr. Cocadiz is developing a small device intended to be inserted into a blood vessel. This device will act as a “sieve,” capturing ctDNA for a short period, which could enable physicians to identify cancers in their nascent stages and monitor for recurrence post-treatment.

Currently, the standard method for analyzing ctDNA involves drawing a blood sample from patients and examining it. Dr. Cocadiz explained, “Usually such a sample is only between 8-10 ml of blood. The problem is, in early-stage cancer, there is not a lot of ctDNA in 10 ml of blood. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

To address this limitation, the new device aims to reduce the discomfort associated with blood draws, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and elderly patients. “Taking a lot of blood from patients would not be ethical or physically good for the patient,” she noted. Instead, the device will collect ctDNA for a few minutes before being removed, providing a more efficient and less invasive alternative.

Although Dr. Cocadiz’s research is still in the proof-of-concept stage, she envisions the device functioning similarly to an intravenous (IV) line, being inserted into a patient’s blood vessel with ease. While bringing this innovative device to clinical use will require several years of development, she expressed optimism about her research trajectory. “I am really optimistic about where my research is heading,” she stated. “I am so grateful for this grant from the Cancer Society, because they are not just helping fund this research, but essentially the early stages of my career as well.”

A personal connection to cancer has driven Dr. Cocadiz’s commitment to this field. Growing up in the Philippines, her early interest in medicine was sparked when her best friend in preschool exhibited unusual bruising from minor injuries. Concerned for his well-being, she alerted her parents, leading to a doctor’s visit that resulted in a diagnosis of early-stage leukaemia. Fortunately, her friend received prompt treatment and has since recovered. Meeting him again earlier this year, Dr. Cocadiz was overjoyed to see him thriving.

After completing her PhD in biochemistry in 2022, Dr. Cocadiz shifted her focus from becoming a doctor to pursuing a career in cancer research. “Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research,” she reflected. Her work has the potential to significantly impact diagnostic practices and improve outcomes for cancer patients, making her a promising figure in the ongoing battle against this pervasive disease.