"Project Summary 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)." |