South Island Researcher Fights Cancer with Innovative Blood Test

A childhood experience with cancer has inspired a South Island researcher to pursue groundbreaking work in early cancer diagnosis. Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz from the University of Otago has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship from the Cancer Society‘s 2025 National Research Grant Round. Her research focuses on developing a new tool that could lead to more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of early-stage cancers.

Dr. Cocadiz’s work centres on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which are DNA fragments released by cancer cells into the bloodstream. The concentration of ctDNA increases as cancer progresses, making it a crucial marker for detection. She is designing a small device that can be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA for a brief period. This innovation could enable healthcare professionals to identify cancers at earlier stages and monitor for residual or recurrent disease after treatment.

Currently, ctDNA analysis requires drawing a patient’s blood for testing, with typical samples ranging from 8-10 ml. Dr. Cocadiz explained, “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, her device would collect ctDNA without needing to draw a significant volume of blood, thus reducing discomfort, especially for vulnerable populations such as children or frail patients.

Dr. Cocadiz’s research is still in the proof-of-concept phase. She envisions the device working similarly to an intravenous line, allowing for easy insertion and removal. While it may take years to bring the device into clinical use, she remains optimistic about her progress. “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,” she stated.

Her interest in cancer research was sparked during her childhood in the Philippines. At just five years old, Cocadiz noticed her best friend frequently had large bruises from minor injuries. Concerned, she informed her parents, which led to a visit to the doctor. Her friend was diagnosed with early-stage leukaemia and received prompt treatment. Meeting him again earlier this year, she was pleased to see him healthy and thriving.

After completing her PhD in biochemistry last year, Dr. Cocadiz chose to pursue cancer research rather than a career in medicine. “Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research,” she reflected. Through her innovative approach, she aims to make a significant impact on the lives of cancer patients, helping to enhance early detection and improve treatment outcomes.