Researcher Develops Innovative Cancer Detection Tool with Grant

A South Island researcher, driven by a childhood friend’s battle with cancer, is pioneering a promising tool aimed at enhancing the diagnosis of early-stage cancers. Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz, affiliated with the University of Otago, has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship as part of the Cancer Society’s 2025 National Research Grant Round. Her work focuses on developing a device intended for more accurate cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

Cocadiz’s research centers on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which are small fragments of DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. The concentration of ctDNA tends to increase as cancer progresses, making it a potential marker for early diagnosis. To capitalize on this, Cocadiz is working on a small device that can be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA over a brief period. This approach aims to enable doctors to identify cancers at earlier stages and to monitor for any residual or recurring cancer post-treatment.

Traditionally, ctDNA analysis involves drawing a patient’s blood and examining the sample. As 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, essentially.”

To address this challenge, the proposed device would allow for ctDNA collection without the need for larger blood draws, which could pose ethical concerns and physical discomfort, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. “We wanted to make a device that instead of collecting more blood from the patient, can just be inserted and allowed to collect ctDNA for a few minutes before being removed again,” Cocadiz noted. This innovation could significantly enhance patient comfort while facilitating earlier and more precise cancer diagnosis.

Although Cocadiz’s research remains in the proof of concept stage, the envisioned device would function similarly to an intravenous (IV) catheter, allowing for straightforward insertion into a patient’s blood vessel. While clinical implementation of this device may still be years away, Cocadiz expressed her optimism about the direction of her research. “I am really optimistic about where my research is heading,” she stated.

Cocadiz expressed her gratitude for the support from the Cancer Society, emphasizing that the grant not only funds her research but also plays a crucial role in the early stages of her career. Having completed her PhD in biochemistry last year, Cocadiz’s interest in cancer research was ignited during her childhood in the Philippines.

At just five years old, she noticed her best friend frequently acquiring large bruises from minor accidents. Concerned, she informed her parents, who then consulted her friend’s family, leading to a diagnosis of early-stage leukaemia. With timely treatment, her friend has since recovered. “When I met up with him again earlier this year, I was happy to see him healthy and doing well,” she recalled.

Although she initially considered a career in medicine, Cocadiz ultimately opted for cancer research to contribute to the fight against the disease. “Everything just kind of fell into place and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research,” she said. Through her innovative work, Cocadiz aims to enhance cancer detection methods, potentially transforming outcomes for patients worldwide.