South Island Researcher Advances Cancer Diagnosis with Innovative Device

A childhood friend’s battle with cancer has inspired a South Island researcher to innovate in the realm of cancer diagnostics. 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 groundbreaking work aimed at enhancing the accuracy of early-stage cancer diagnoses.

Dr. Cocadiz’s research focuses on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which consists of DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. As cancer advances, the concentration of ctDNA typically increases. To harness this, Cocadiz is developing a novel device designed to be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA for short periods. This innovation could enable doctors to detect cancers at earlier stages and monitor for recurrence following treatment.

Currently, the analysis of ctDNA requires drawing about 8-10 ml of blood from patients. Cocadiz explains the challenge: “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.” To address this, her device aims to collect ctDNA without requiring larger blood samples, which can be invasive and uncomfortable, particularly for children or vulnerable individuals.

“This device will provide a more patient-friendly option,” Cocadiz notes. “Instead of taking more blood, it will collect ctDNA for a few minutes and then be safely removed.” This approach could lead to less discomfort for patients while significantly improving cancer diagnostic accuracy.

Although still in the proof-of-concept phase, the device is envisioned to operate similarly to an intravenous (IV) line. It would be inserted into a blood vessel in the same manner as a needle. While the timeline for clinical application remains uncertain, Cocadiz expresses optimism about her research’s future. “I am really grateful for this grant from the Cancer Society. They are not just funding this research but also supporting the early stages of my career,” she stated.

Dr. Cocadiz completed her PhD in biochemistry in 2022 and has been driven by a long-standing desire to help alleviate the suffering of cancer patients. Her interest in cancer research was sparked during her childhood in the Philippines. At just five years old, she noticed that her best friend frequently had large bruises from minor accidents. After discussing her concerns with her parents, they took her friend to the doctor, leading to an early diagnosis of leukaemia and prompt treatment.

Earlier this year, Cocadiz experienced joy upon reuniting with her friend, who is now healthy and thriving. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “I realized I did not want to be a doctor, but I still wanted to contribute to the fight against cancer. Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research.”

With her innovative approach to cancer diagnostics, Dr. Cocadiz is poised to make significant strides in the medical field, potentially changing the way early-stage cancers are diagnosed and monitored.