Dr. Juan Valle Named Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s First Chief Medical Officer

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation announced the appointment of Dr. Juan Valle as its first Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Valle brings a wealth of expertise in clinical and translational research and will play a vital role in advancing the Foundation's mission to find a cure for and improve the quality of life for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer originating in the bile ducts - the long, slender tubes carrying bile from the liver to the small intestine. The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness, supporting patients and their caregivers, and funding research to improve the understanding and treatment of the disease.

As CCF's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Juan Valle will lead the organization's research initiatives and provide strategic guidance in developing innovative treatment approaches for cholangiocarcinoma. Dr. Valle's appointment reflects the Foundation's commitment to accelerating progress in the field of cholangiocarcinoma and ultimately finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Dr. Valle most recently served as a professor and honorary consultant in medical oncology at the University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, in Manchester UK. Dr. Valle was part of a team establishing the first standard of care for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma in 2009 and is a founding member of the International Biliary Tract Cancer Consortium.  He established the Christie Neuroendocrine European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) Centre of Excellence in Manchester and was a member of the ENETS Advisory Board. He also chaired the UK National Cancer Research Institute neuroendocrine subgroup and was a member of the hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer subgroups. His research focused on developing new therapies for pancreatic, biliary, and neuroendocrine cancers and he has been instrumental in designing and developing many clinical trials.

“Dr. Valle is a highly regarded oncologist with a deep understanding of cholangiocarcinoma and has made significant contributions to the field through his extensive research efforts,” said Stacie Lindsey, CCF Founder and CEO. “His expertise and leadership will enhance our ability to drive advancements and help us change the course of the disease. We feel extremely fortunate to have him on our team.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Valle has made significant contributions to the field, authored numerous publications, including over 300 scientific articles, and received multiple research grants to support his work. His research set the standard for patient care in cholangiocarcinoma.

"I am honored to join the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation as its Chief Medical Officer," Valle said. "I am committed to working closely with the Foundation's dedicated team to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients with cholangiocarcinoma and their families. Together, we will strive to accelerate research, improve access to care and ultimately bring hope to those affected by this devastating disease."

CCF looks forward to new developments improving treatment options for patients.

“With the appointment of Dr. Juan Valle as our first Chief Medical Officer, we will make even more significant strides toward advancing research, education, and advocacy for the cholangiocarcinoma community,” Lindsey said.