South Island Researcher Aims to Revolutionize Cancer Diagnosis

A personal experience with cancer has inspired a South Island researcher to develop a potentially transformative tool for early-stage cancer diagnosis. Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz from the University of Otago has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship by the Cancer Society. This funding will support her innovative research on a device designed to improve the accuracy of cancer detection through circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA).

Cocadiz’s work focuses on ctDNA, which consists of DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. Typically, the presence of ctDNA correlates with the advancement of cancer; thus, higher levels are found in patients with more progressed stages. The researcher is developing a small device that can be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA over a short period. This method aims to enhance the early detection of cancers and to monitor any remaining or recurring cancer after treatment.

Currently, the standard procedure for examining ctDNA involves drawing a blood sample of approximately 8-10 milliliters. Cocadiz explained, “The problem is, in early-stage cancer, there is not a lot of ctDNA in 10 milliliters of blood. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack.” This challenge poses significant limitations, especially when considering the ethical implications of taking larger blood samples from patients, particularly those who are children or have compromised health.

To address this issue, Cocadiz and her team are working on a device that can be inserted into a patient’s blood vessel in a manner similar to how an intravenous (IV) line is established. By allowing the device to remain in place for a few minutes, it would collect ctDNA without requiring patients to undergo multiple blood draws. Cocadiz believes this approach will not only enhance the comfort of patients but will also lead to earlier and more precise cancer diagnoses.

Although the research is still in the proof-of-concept stage, Cocadiz remains optimistic about the future of her project. “Getting this device into clinical use would be years away. I am really optimistic about where my research is heading,” she stated. Expressing gratitude for the support from the Cancer Society, she added, “They are not just helping fund this research, but essentially the early stages of my career as well.”

Cocadiz’s journey into cancer research was influenced by a childhood experience in the Philippines. At just five years old, she observed that her best friend often had large bruises from minor injuries. Concerned, she alerted her parents, who contacted her friend’s family, leading to a diagnosis of early-stage leukaemia. The timely recognition allowed her friend to receive immediate treatment. This experience left a lasting impression on Cocadiz and ignited her passion for helping cancer patients.

After completing her PhD in biochemistry last year, Cocadiz shifted her focus from wanting to be a doctor to pursuing a career in cancer research. “Everything just kind of fell into place, and I am really glad I ended up in cancer research,” she reflected. As she advances her groundbreaking work, Cocadiz’s devotion to improving cancer diagnosis and treatment continues to be driven by her early experiences and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the field.