Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Annual Conference: Strength in Community

The CCF Annual Conference

The 2026 CCF Annual Conference
Strength in Community: Every Patient Counts

The 13th Annual Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Conference marked a milestone, with the largest in-person attendance ever. Researchers, clinicians, patients, caregivers, and advocates came together and presented the latest advancements in cholangiocarcinoma. This year’s conference also honored CCF’s 20th anniversary, making it a particularly special gathering.

View the Annual Conference Presentation Recordings

The 2026 CCF Annual Conference by the Numbers

Attendees of the 2026 CCF Annual Conference, in-person and online.

Globe graphic illustrating 14 countries represented at the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation conference.

35 patient scholarships and travel assistance for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Annual Conference.

CCF research fellowship program: $850,000 granted to 10 investigators.

CCF 2026 Annual Conference: 72 research posters presented, highlighting advancements in cholangiocarcinoma.

Celebrating Progress at the CCF Annual Awards Dinner

CCF’s second annual Awards Dinner was a celebration of progress, collaboration, and the strength of the CCF community. The evening honored the researchers, advocates, and donors driving change, while also reflecting on how far we’ve come together. A special highlight of the night was when Rachna Shroff brought everyone to their feet with an energetic Bollywood dance, creating a fun moment of connection.

CCF Awards Dinner celebration with researchers, advocates, and donors, including Rachna Shroff dancing on stage.

Rachna Shroff dancing on stage at the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation conference celebrating 20th anniversary.

CCF Awards Dinner stage with researchers, advocates, and donors celebrating community impact and volunteerism.

Mark R. Clements Award Recipients

The Foundation was pleased to award its highest honor to Nirma Patel for Excellence in Community Impact, Matt Reidy for Excellence in Volunteerism, and Dr. Jesus Bañales for Vision, Innovation, and Collaboration.

CCF Awards $850,000 through the Research Fellowship Program

Ten early-career investigators from select institutions were selected to receive an award for a one-year study. Read more about this groundbreaking research and the generous donors supporting it.

Dr. Jesus Bañales, Mark R. Clements Award recipient, Massachusetts General Hospital researcher

Nirma Patel, Excellence in Community Impact award recipient, CCF Awards Dinner.

Dr. Jesus Bañales, Mark R. Clements Award recipient, Mayo Clinic researcher and cholangiocarcinoma expert.

Rachna Shroff smiling portrait, CCF Awards Dinner honoree, Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Jesus Bañales, Mark R. Clements Award recipient, researcher and collaborator in cholangiocarcinoma research.

Dr. Ankur Sheel, researcher and 2026 conference poster awardee, wearing glasses and lab coat

Dr. Jesus Bañales, Mark R. Clements Award recipient, researcher and cholangiocarcinoma expert.

Meet the Researchers

2026 Annual Conference Poster Walk

This year’s poster walk featured 72 research posters highlighting basic science, translational research, ongoing clinical trials, and work by CCF-funded fellows. Congratulations to this year’s 2026 Poster Awardees! Honors were awarded to Jayla Millender, Muhammed Aksu, Ankur Sheel, Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa, and Adel Kardosh. We are grateful to them for their dedication to the study of this difficult-to-treat disease.

Attendees viewing research posters at the 2026 Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Annual Conference.

CCF 2026 Annual Conference poster featuring researchers and clinical trial matching system.

Researchers and attendees viewing research posters at the 2026 Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Annual Conference.

View the Posters

Pathway to the Future

Thank you to all who participated in honoring CCF’s 20 years, loved ones, community members, and the future by donating to CCF. The Pathway to the Future raised more than $80,000, making an incredible difference in patient support and research.