As a rare and lethal disease, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) lacks attention and resources. There is a vast unmet need for education across the entire disease spectrum from bench-to-bedside. As such, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) continues to focus its efforts to educate all stakeholders in the cholangiocarcinoma community-at-large. Paramount to that effort, the 2017 Annual Conference has been developed with the following objectives: 1) To foster sustainable participation of the medical, research and patient communities in the field of cholangiocarcinoma; 2) To increase the knowledge and understanding of attendees about key issues central to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure for cholangiocarcinoma; and 3) To encourage, strengthen, and support collaborations in the field of cholangiocarcinoma research. A multidisciplinary audience, including representatives of the scientific, medical and academic communities; policymakers and regulators, industry, advocates, patients and caregivers will convene to present a diversity of perspectives focused on evidence-based opinion to compare current developments and summarize emerging developments in basic, translational and clinical research defining the field of cholangiocarcinoma. A global community of experts will review symptoms, incidence, and prevalence in high risk populations (prevention); examine epidemiological and pathological features of the heterogeneous group of 3 anatomically distinct cancers (diagnosis); and review advances in oncology research that are likely to be clinically relevant (treatment and cure). This setting will also provide a forum to attract and nurture early career researchers with opportunities to develop and expand their education with mentorship from a global community of renowned experts. Through oral abstracts, poster sessions, speaker presentations and more, a dedicated team of Young Investigators will forge new alliances, stimulate dialogue and inspire innovation in the study of cholangiocarcinoma with the common goal of supporting the Foundation?s mission to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
In February 2017, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Annual Conference will convene a multidisciplinary audience, including global representatives of the scientific, medical and academic communities; policymakers and regulators, industry, advocates, patients and caregivers, to present a diversity of perspectives defining the field of cholangiocarcinoma in basic, translational and clinical research. The event will stimulate scientific and clinical progress by providing a forum to prioritize research, identifying opportunities and challenges, developing resources and training mechanisms, fostering collaboration and disseminating findings, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes for this rare, lethal and devastating disease.
