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SEPTEMBER 17 - Scientists Investigate Improved Treatments and a Cure for Rare Disease

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 - 9:30am

Scientists Investigate Improved Treatments and a Cure for Rare Disease – Bile Duct Cancer

Now Accepting Applications for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Research Fellowship Program

 

CCF values open-access research by early career investigators that involves and catalyzes collaboration.

— Stacie Lindsey, CCF President and Founder

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF), a nonprofit organization funding novel research for bile duct cancer is now accepting applications for the 3rd cycle of its Research Fellowship Program.

Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded 4 grants totaling $200,000 to outstanding scientists to raise awareness about cholangiocarcinoma and inspire innovative, quality research. Our funding supports research that opens new pathways for diagnosis and drug discovery thereby accelerating a path to a cure.

Applications are accepted from not-for-profit academic, medical or research institutions worldwide. We support high quality projects proposed by early career investigators who have a demonstrated commitment to cholangiocarcinoma research. Post-doctoral Fellows and Instructors with the following degrees are eligible to apply: MD, PhD, PharmD, or DVM. There are no restrictions for applicants as to age or national origin.

The “Impact Award” will fund up to $50,000. New for 2017 is the “Collaboration Award” that will fund studies up to $100,000 and requires multi-institutional collaboration. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2016.

“Through these studies, CCF’s Research Fellowship Program aims to gain insights and achieve significant milestones into the research of cholangiocarcinoma” said Donna Mayer, Executive Director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. “We are proud to honor and support remarkable scientists as they carry on the legacies of those for whom the grants are named.”

The 2016 recipients are:

Andrea Marie Fuquay Memorial Research Fellowship
2-HG as a Biomarker in Patients with IDH-mutant Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Amount: $50,000
Researcher: Lipika Goyal, MD - Massachusetts General Hospital

Andrea Scott Memorial Research Fellowship
A Hippo and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Autocrine Pathway in Cholangiocarcinoma Amount: $50,000
Researcher: Sumera Rizvi, MD - Mayo Clinic

Christopher J. Wilke Memorial Research Fellowship
Metabolic Reprogramming by IDH Mutation in Cholangiocarcinoma
Amount: $50,000
Researcher: Lei Shi, Ph.D - Massachusetts General Hospital

Innovation Award
Contribution of Hepatic Stellate Cells to Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Amount: $50,000
Researcher: Silvia Affo, PhD - Columbia University

About Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma, a highly lethal cancer with poor prognosis, arises from the bile ducts in the liver. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is only minimally effective, emphasizing the imminent need for novel therapies.

There are no effective strategies for prevention, early diagnosis or long-term treatment, indicating a significant unmet medical need. The risk factors and genetic causes of CC are not well known and clinical treatment options are extremely limited. Even with aggressive treatment, survival rates are low and average survival is only 6 month from diagnosis.

Although considered rare, with 5,000-6,000 cases a year being diagnosed in the US, the worldwide incidence and mortality is increasing thus research into this deadly disease is urgently needed.

About the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
Founded in 2006, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation is a global 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by bile duct cancer through advocacy, education, collaboration and research.