South Island Researcher Advances Cancer Diagnosis with Innovative Tool

A significant breakthrough in cancer diagnosis may be on the horizon, thanks to the personal journey of a South Island researcher. Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz, affiliated with the University of Otago, has secured a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship from the Cancer Society. This funding supports her innovative research aimed at improving the accuracy of early-stage cancer detection.

Dr. Cocadiz’s work focuses on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which consists of DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. The presence of ctDNA correlates with the severity of cancer; as cancer progresses, the level of ctDNA in the blood increases.

Innovative Device for Early Detection

Cocadiz is developing a novel device designed to be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA for a brief period. This method could revolutionize how doctors detect cancers in their infancy and monitor for recurrence following treatment.

Currently, ctDNA analysis relies on blood samples of about 8-10 ml. Cocadiz explains the challenge: “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.” The proposed device aims to collect ctDNA more efficiently without the need for patients to provide larger blood samples, which can be uncomfortable and impractical, especially for children or frail individuals.

Instead of drawing more blood, the device would be inserted temporarily, allowing for ctDNA collection for a few minutes before removal. This approach could significantly enhance both the comfort and diagnostic accuracy for patients.

From Personal Experience to Professional Drive

Dr. Cocadiz’s passion for cancer research was ignited during her childhood in the Philippines. As a preschooler, she noticed that her best friend frequently had unexplained bruises. Concerned, she alerted her parents, who subsequently took her friend to the doctor. The child was diagnosed with early-stage leukemia and received timely treatment.

Years later, when she reunited with her friend, Cocadiz was relieved to find him healthy. This pivotal experience steered her away from a traditional medical career, directing her focus towards research that could alleviate the suffering of cancer patients. “Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research,” she reflected.

Currently, her research remains in the proof-of-concept stage, but Cocadiz is optimistic about its future applications. She acknowledges the essential role of the Cancer Society in her journey, stating, “I am so grateful for this grant because they are not just helping fund this research but essentially the early stages of my career as well.”

As Dr. Cocadiz continues her groundbreaking work, the potential for early and accurate cancer diagnosis becomes increasingly tangible, representing a beacon of hope for patients and families affected by this devastating disease.