Dr Judy Ann Cocadiz: Breaking the wall of late cancer detection

Dr Judy Ann Cocadiz, University of Otago 

We seek to detect cancer earlier by capturing circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). We are developing a portable device – the size of a grain of rice – that can be temporarily placed into a vein. Acting as a micro-filter, it passively samples litres of blood over 30 minutes, and enriches rare ctDNA fragments, enabling earlier, more accurate, and more equitable cancer diagnoses.

Judy Ann Cocadiz is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Otago, developing novel technologies to improve cancer detection and monitoring.  She completed her BSc in Biochemistry at the University of the Philippines, followed by an MSc and PhD at the University of Otago. Supported by the Cancer Society of New Zealand, she leads the development of a portable device designed to capture ctDNA directly from the bloodstream, enabling earlier detection, improved treatment monitoring, and more accessible and equitable care.