South Island Researcher Develops Innovative Tool for Cancer Detection

A South Island researcher is embarking on a promising journey to enhance cancer diagnosis through innovative technology inspired by a childhood friend’s experience with the disease. Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz, affiliated with the University of Otago, has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship from the Cancer Society as part of its 2025 National Research Grant Round. This funding will support her development of a new tool aimed at improving the accuracy of cancer detection and monitoring.

Dr. Cocadiz’s research focuses on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which are small fragments of DNA released by cancer cells into the bloodstream. The concentration of ctDNA tends to increase as cancer advances, making it a crucial marker for early detection.

To facilitate the collection of ctDNA, Cocadiz is working on a device designed to be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA over a brief period. Unlike current methods that require drawing blood samples of approximately 8-10ml, which can be ineffective in the early stages of cancer, this new approach promises to gather a more substantial amount of ctDNA without the need for large blood draws.

“The challenge with early-stage cancer is that the amount of ctDNA present in a small blood sample is minimal,” Cocadiz explained. “It’s akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.” She emphasized that taking larger blood samples from patients, especially vulnerable populations like children or those with compromised health, raises ethical concerns.

The device, still in the proof-of-concept phase, is designed to operate similarly to an intravenous (IV) line, allowing for quick insertion and removal. Cocadiz expressed optimism about the potential of her research, stating, “I am really optimistic about where my research is heading.” The researcher also acknowledged the significant role of the grant, saying, “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.”

Cocadiz’s interest in cancer research was sparked during her childhood in the Philippines. At just five years old, she noticed that her best friend often had unexplained bruises. Concerned for his health, she informed her parents, who then consulted a doctor. This led to her friend being diagnosed with early-stage leukaemia, enabling him to receive timely treatment. Meeting him again earlier this year, Cocadiz was thrilled to find him healthy and thriving.

After completing her PhD in biochemistry last year, Cocadiz initially considered a career in medicine but ultimately chose to focus on research as a means to contribute to the fight against cancer. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research.”

As Dr. Cocadiz continues her groundbreaking work, the potential impact of her research could significantly improve the early diagnosis of cancer, potentially altering the landscape of oncology and patient care in the years to come.