Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Awards $250,000 Innovation Grant to Advance Rare Cancer Research with Funding from Bachrach Family Foundation
The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation announced the recipients of the 2024 Innovation Grant, generously funded by the Bachrach Family Foundation.
The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s (CCF) mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive cancer of the bile duct. Founded in 2006 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.
Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded over $5.02 million 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. Ed Bachrach, retired chairman and CEO of Bachrach Clothing, Inc., a nationwide retailer of men’s fashions and the founder and president of the Center for Pension Integrity in Chicago, became engaged with CCF when his son-in-law was diagnosed with the disease. Bachrach’s foundation is focused on medical and scientific research and supports promising, early-stage research to prepare it for large-scale applicability across populations. CCF’s and Bachrach Family Foundation’s missions align in a way that helps unravel complex medical questions and provides solutions to those who treat patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
CCF announced a request for proposals for the Innovation Grant, asking applicants to examine the complex immunological dynamics underlying acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The Foundation received 12 letters of intent and the Bachrach Family Foundation committed to funding the top-scored application at $250,000 for one year. After conducting a thorough review process, CCF selected Dr. R. Katie Kelley of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Dr. Tim Greten of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the awardees for their project titled “Understanding Molecular and Immunological Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance in Cholangiocarcinoma.”
Cholangiocarcinoma, rare and often fatal, presents significant challenges in treatment and understanding its underlying mechanisms. Dr. Kelley and Dr. Greten’s project aims to address this by investigating the hypothesis that tumor-derived signals, particularly those influencing CD14+ monocytes, play a crucial role in mediating acquired resistance to immunotherapy in cholangiocarcinoma. Their innovative approach will involve examining clinical cohorts and utilizing mouse models and cell-based studies to delve into the molecular and immunological complexities of the disease.
The grant committee chaired by Dr. Ben Stanger, Hanna Wise Professor in Cancer Research at the University of Pennsylvania and Co-Chair of CCF’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. noted the strength and track record of the investigative team, the focused hypothesis, and the utilization of dynamic models. The fact that many samples are already in hand was noted as a significant advantage. The committee also commended Dr. Kelley and Dr. Greten’s efforts to devise strategies that separate chemo-resistance from immunotherapy resistance, recognizing it as a crucial aspect of their project.
“The emphasis on unraveling the molecular and immunological mechanisms of acquired resistance in cholangiocarcinoma represents a significant step forward in advancing understanding of this challenging disease,” said Dr. Juan Valle, CCF’s Chief Medical Officer. “Dr. Kelley and Dr. Greten’s project provides potential for improving treatment outcomes and benefiting patients and their families affected by cholangiocarcinoma.”
The project provides promise to patients worldwide and underscores the importance of donor support for historically underfunded research projects that advance health and understanding of cancer treatment options across diverse populations when traditional mechanisms are limited.
“We are humbled by the support from the Bachrach Family Foundation,” said Kourtney Sanchez, CCF’s Chief Development Officer. “Ed and his team’s belief in cholangiocarcinoma researchers’ work is making a profound difference, bringing us closer to more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Working together on this is an exciting endeavor, and we look forward to collaborating more to benefit the patient community.”
We are humbled by the support from the Bachrach Family Foundation, Ed and his team’s belief in cholangiocarcinoma researchers’ work is making a profound difference, bringing us closer to more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Working together on this is an exciting endeavor, and we look forward to collaborating more to benefit the patient community.
Kourtney Sanchez
CCF Chief Development Officer