Childhood Friend’s Cancer Sparks Innovative Research Breakthrough

A childhood friend’s battle with cancer has inspired transformative research at the University of Otago in South Island, New Zealand. Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship from the Cancer Society as part of its 2025 National Research Grant Round. Her research aims to enhance the accuracy of early-stage cancer diagnosis through a novel approach utilizing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA).

Dr. Cocadiz’s work focuses on ctDNA, which are fragments of DNA released by cancer cells into the bloodstream. The concentration of ctDNA typically increases with the advancement of cancer, making it a valuable biomarker for diagnosis. She is developing a small device intended to be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA during a brief period. This innovation could potentially allow for the detection of cancers at earlier stages and improve monitoring for residual or recurring cancer post-treatment.

Currently, the standard method for analyzing ctDNA involves drawing a patient’s blood and examining the sample. Dr. Cocadiz explained, “Usually such a sample is only between 8-10ml of blood. The problem is, in early-stage cancer, there is not a lot of ctDNA in 10ml of blood. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack, essentially.”

The proposed device would mitigate the need for larger blood draws, which can be particularly challenging for children or individuals with compromised health. “Instead of collecting more blood from the patient, we can insert the device and allow it to collect ctDNA for a few minutes before removing it,” she added. This method aims to reduce patient discomfort while enabling earlier and more precise cancer diagnosis.

Pioneering Research with Personal Roots

Dr. Cocadiz’s research is still in the proof-of-concept stage, but she is optimistic about its future. The device is envisioned to function similarly to an intravenous (IV) line, allowing for a straightforward insertion process. While clinical implementation is likely several years away, she expressed gratitude for the support from the Cancer Society, stating, “I am so grateful for this grant… they are not just helping fund this research, but essentially the early stages of my career as well.”

Her journey into cancer research was profoundly shaped by a childhood experience in the Philippines. At just five years old, Dr. Cocadiz noticed her best friend frequently had unexplained bruises. Concerned, she alerted her parents, who then took her friend to the doctor. The diagnosis was early-stage leukemia, and her friend received timely treatment. Reuniting with him earlier this year brought her great joy, as she found him healthy and thriving.

Despite initially considering a traditional medical career, Dr. Cocadiz found her true calling in research. Reflecting on her path, she remarked, “Everything just kind of fell into place and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research.”

The implications of her work could be significant for the future of cancer diagnostics and patient care, potentially leading to more effective interventions and improved outcomes for those affected by cancer. As research progresses, Dr. Cocadiz remains dedicated to her goal of alleviating the challenges faced by cancer patients through innovative scientific solutions.