Researcher Advances Cancer Diagnosis with Innovative Device

A childhood friend’s battle with cancer has inspired Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz, a researcher at the University of Otago, to develop a pioneering tool aimed at improving early-stage cancer diagnosis. Cocadiz has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship as part of the Cancer Society’s 2025 National Research Grant Round. Her focus is on creating a device that captures circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which could lead to more accurate cancer detection and monitoring.

Cocadiz’s research revolves around ctDNA, which are DNA fragments released by cancer cells into the bloodstream. As cancer advances, the concentration of ctDNA increases. She aims to design a small device that can be inserted into a blood vessel, acting as a “sieve” to collect ctDNA over a short period. This method has the potential to allow healthcare professionals to identify cancers at earlier stages and to monitor for any residual or recurrent cancer post-treatment.

At present, the standard procedure for examining ctDNA involves drawing a patient’s blood and analyzing a sample of typically 8-10 ml. 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.” She emphasized the ethical considerations of taking more blood from patients, particularly vulnerable populations such as children or elderly individuals.

The innovative device, which is still in the proof of concept stage, is designed to be inserted similarly to an intravenous (IV) line. It would collect ctDNA for a few minutes before being removed, significantly reducing patient discomfort and improving the potential for early diagnosis. Cocadiz expressed her optimism about the research’s direction, stating, “I am really optimistic about where my research is heading.”

The journey to bring this device into clinical use will take time, but Cocadiz is appreciative of the support from the Cancer Society. “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,” she remarked.

Cocadiz’s passion for cancer research was ignited during her childhood in the Philippines. A pivotal moment occurred when she was just five years old; she noticed her best friend frequently had large bruises from minor accidents. Concerned, she spoke to her parents, leading to a visit to the doctor who diagnosed her friend with early-stage leukaemia. Thanks to timely intervention, he received immediate treatment.

Reuniting with her friend earlier this year, Cocadiz felt joy seeing him healthy and thriving. Despite initially considering a career in medicine, she ultimately chose to focus on cancer research. “Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research,” she reflected.

Through her innovative work, Dr. Cocadiz is poised to make significant contributions to the field of oncology, potentially transforming how early-stage cancers are diagnosed and monitored.