“Our goal is simple: to offer treatment options for people who currently do not have any,” explains Dr Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières, a researcher and professor at the Université de Sherbrooke Cancer Research Institute (IRCUS).
Since 2018, Dr Quesnel-Vallières has devoted his work to develop new treatments against high-risk cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive bile duct cancer for which there are very few treatment options. The need for new treatment approaches is critical because survival rates for this cancer are still very low.
Even if cholangiocarcinoma is considered rare, it doesn’t mean that few people are affected. One person who dies of cancer is one person too many.
Advancing research on cholangiocarcinoma
With funding from the Canadian Cancer Society and Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation, Dr Quesnel-Vallières’ team is developing new treatments in the form of vaccines to help the immune system recognize and eliminate cancer cells. The approach focuses on identifying the genetic characteristics unique to each tumour. This will help design personalized treatments that are better targeted and potentially less toxic than current options.
“Five or 10 years ago, many of the technologies we are using right now were not available,” Dr Quesnel-Vallières explains.
These advanced technologies, including sequencing and bioinformatics, let researchers develop treatments that are better adapted to each person. The team also uses a new technique called organoid culture in which a small piece of the tumour is collected during surgery and grown in the lab. This allows researchers to replicate the tumour, conduct experiments, study its characteristics and learn how cancer behaves in different patients. This work also relies on collaboration with clinical teams that provide samples and on the contributions of people like Julie Carignan, who have lived experience of cancer.
A real story behind the research
In May 2022, Julie Carignan was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma at 47 years old. She was given 5 months to live. “The doctor told me there wasn’t much they could do for me,” she recalls.
After a very risky operation, Julie underwent a long series of treatments. In late 2024, her condition stabilized after chemotherapy. She has now been in remission for nearly four years and is on the road to the symbolic five year milestone.
From the start of her experience, Julie was shocked by the lack of resources and treatment options for people with her type of cancer. This motivated her to get actively involved in research – not just for herself, but for everyone who may receive the same diagnosis in the future.
Research gives me the hope I need. I don’t see a future without it.
Julie joined Dr Quesnel-Vallières’ research team as a patient partner. She connects researchers, clinicians and patients, making sure the project meets the real needs of people living with cancer. By sharing her experience to support research, she hopes to offer people with bile duct cancer a new outlook and hope for longer survival.
Researchers are the ones who are ensuring my survival.
Coming together to help hope bloom
In collaboration with researcher Dr Lee-Hwa Tai and several hospital centres, Dr Quesnel-Vallières’ project brings together the expertise, data and samples needed to advance cholangiocarcinoma research.
“We are pooling our expertise to create a vaccine based on immunology, but also on large sequencing data and bioinformatics,” says Lee-Hwa Tai.
We also linked the 4 major cancer centres across Quebec to try to develop this vaccine here.
This collaborative approach is essential to advance cancer research. Today, the Canadian Cancer Society funds 470 active research projects in laboratories across the country, allowing teams like Dr Quesnel-Vallières’ to create new options where there are few or none.
During Daffodil Month, symbolic of hope and renewal, people across the country are coming together to advance research. Projects like this require time, resources and continuous support. By taking action now, you are helping support the most promising scientific research and bring hope to life.
During Daffodil Month, your support is advancing research
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