Building a national network to drive research discoveries and expand access to immunotherapies for people with biliary tract cancers

Biliary tract cancers (also called cholangiocarcinomas) although rare, are the second most common liver cancer. They have an alarmingly low survival rate and there are few treatment options available to those facing BTC. Most people are diagnosed in Stage 4, when surgery is no longer an option and chemotherapy may extend the duration of life but take a significant toll on its quality. There is an urgent need for new and innovative treatments for people with BTC, and immunotherapy has shown promising results.

With support from the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, a world-class team of experts across Canada will establish the Canadian Cholangiocarcinoma Collaborative (C3). This first-of-its-kind partnership between people with cancer, caregivers, clinicians and scientists will aim to provide new treatment options and establish a national registry for people with BTC. The C3 will also boost access to clinical trials and provide opportunities for participation through a national referral network. The C3 will develop and manufacture the first-in-Canada personalized T cell product to offer hope for Canadian patients with BTC and establish an immunotherapy pipeline for innovating novel therapies.  

This targeted and collaborative approach will provide equitable access to new treatment options that are rarely accessible in Canada and, if successful, would significantly enhance survival and quality of life for people with biliary tract cancer. 

Total Amount Awarded over 5 years: $ 7,404,250