Our History

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s (CCF) mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).  Founded in 2006, in Salt Lake City, UT, by a family who lost a loved one to cholangiocarcinoma, CCF has grown to become the leading global resource in research, education, and public awareness.

Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Research

Our objective is finding a cure.  This gives us a different perspective and informs our philosophy. We believe a cure relies on:

  • Research that provides essential resources and knowledge for the field (e.g. model systems, understanding genetic underpinnings, annotated patient specimens)
  • Innovative research that opens new pathways for diagnosis and drug discovery

Research Fellowship Program

Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.9 million in funding for innovative, high-quality research. In accordance with the Foundation’s Research Philosophy, CCF supports promising projects that are less likely to get traditional funding. Open-access research that catalyzes collaboration and focuses on finding a cure is a core value of the program.

International Cholangiocarcinoma Research Network (ICRN)

A global collaboration of research groups from renowned institutions that are working in concert to improve knowledge about cholangiocarcinoma etiology, prevention, early detection, treatment and prognosis .

Facilitates multi-center basic, translational, and clinical research to ensure rapid translation from bench to bedside.

International Cholangiocarcinoma Patient Registry (ICPR)

The ICPR is a global collaborative effort to connect our patient community and researchers who need to expand their knowledge of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).  It is the only registry of patient health information related solely to cholangiocarcinoma.  It accelerates research for early detection, diagnosis, new treatments and ultimately a cure for cholangiocarcinoma.

Our Annual Conference

CCF's Annual Conference is unique; not only does it bring the clinical, medical and research communities together, but it includes patients and caregivers.  CCF believes that those living with cholangiocarcinoma have a direct stake in their own medical care and are in a unique position to provide input. CCF’s conference programming addresses questions and concerns that are important to patients and their families.

Patients and caregivers—having experienced the disease firsthand—are invited to learn about cholangiocarcinoma, share their personal experiences, and contribute to future efforts to further cholangiocarcinoma research.  Patients are central to all CCF efforts.