South Island Researcher Aims to Revolutionize Cancer Diagnosis

A childhood experience with cancer has driven South Island researcher Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz to innovate in the field of cancer diagnosis. Her work focuses on developing a new diagnostic tool that could significantly improve the detection of early-stage cancers. Recently, Cocadiz received a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship from the Cancer Society as part of its 2025 National Research Grant Round, which will support her groundbreaking research.

Cocadiz, affiliated with the University of Otago, is concentrating on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which are DNA fragments released by cancer cells into the bloodstream. The concentration of ctDNA typically increases with the advancement of cancer. Cocadiz’s innovative approach involves creating a small device that can be inserted into a blood vessel to act as a “sieve,” capturing ctDNA for a brief period. This method aims to facilitate earlier diagnosis and monitoring of cancer, even in its early stages.

Currently, physicians collect ctDNA through blood samples, usually requiring 8-10 ml of blood. Cocadiz notes the challenges in diagnosing early-stage cancer using this method. “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 explained. The existing procedure can be uncomfortable, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children or frail individuals.

Cocadiz’s device aims to minimize discomfort by allowing for a brief collection of ctDNA without needing to draw larger volumes of blood. “We wanted to make a device that could be inserted and allowed to collect ctDNA for a few minutes before being removed,” she said. This method not only reduces patient discomfort but also enhances the potential for earlier and more accurate cancer diagnosis.

Although Cocadiz’s research is still in the proof-of-concept phase, she envisions that the device will function similarly to an IV, enabling straightforward insertion into a patient’s bloodstream. While the timeline for clinical implementation remains years away, Cocadiz expresses optimism about the future of her research. “I am really 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 remarked.

Cocadiz’s commitment to cancer research is rooted in her early experiences in the Philippines. As a child, she observed her best friend suffering from unexplained bruises. After alerting her parents, her friend’s condition was diagnosed as early-stage leukemia, leading to immediate treatment. Meeting her friend again this year, Cocadiz was delighted to see him healthy.

Reflecting on her journey, Cocadiz recognized that while she did not pursue a career in medicine, her passion for aiding cancer patients remained. “Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research,” she concluded.

Through her innovative research, Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz is poised to make significant strides in the early detection of cancer, potentially changing the landscape of cancer diagnosis and treatment for patients around the world.