South Island Researcher Develops Tool for Early Cancer Detection

A childhood friend’s battle with cancer has inspired a South Island researcher to pursue groundbreaking work in cancer diagnosis. Dr. Judy Ann Cocadiz, affiliated with the University of Otago, has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 post-doctoral fellowship through the Cancer Society’s 2025 National Research Grant Round. Her innovative research aims to enhance the accuracy of early-stage cancer detection.

Dr. Cocadiz’s focus is on circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which consists of DNA fragments released into the bloodstream by cancer cells. The concentration of ctDNA typically increases with cancer progression, making it a crucial indicator for diagnosis. Cocadiz is developing a compact device designed to be inserted into a blood vessel, functioning as a “sieve” to capture ctDNA over a brief period. This advancement holds the potential to facilitate the detection of cancers in their early stages and assist in monitoring for reoccurrences after treatment.

Currently, ctDNA is obtained through blood samples, generally requiring about 8-10 milliliters of blood. Cocadiz emphasized the challenge in early-stage cancers, noting, “There is not a lot of ctDNA in 10 milliliters of blood. It is like looking for a needle in a haystack.” She pointed out that drawing larger volumes of blood would not be ethically justifiable, especially for vulnerable populations such as children or those in frail health.

The envisioned device would be inserted similarly to an intravenous (IV) line, allowing for a quick collection of ctDNA without the need for extensive blood draws. This method promises to reduce discomfort for patients while improving the chances of early, accurate cancer diagnosis.

While Cocadiz’s research is still in the proof-of-concept phase, she expresses optimism about its future. “Getting this device into clinical use would be years away,” she acknowledged, but she remains hopeful about the direction of her work. “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 stems from a formative experience in her childhood in the Philippines. At just five years old, she observed her preschool friend suffering from frequent bruises. Concerned, she alerted her parents, who subsequently took the child to a doctor. This early intervention led to a diagnosis of early-stage leukaemia, allowing the friend to receive timely treatment.

Years later, Cocadiz was delighted to reconnect with her childhood companion, pleased to find him healthy and thriving. Despite initially considering a career in medicine, she decided to pursue cancer research, believing it a more fitting way 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,” she reflected.

Dr. Cocadiz’s work represents a promising advancement in the quest for more effective cancer diagnostics, potentially transforming how early-stage cancers are detected and monitored, ultimately benefiting countless patients worldwide.