Q&A with Dr. Trudy Wu: “Every Patient With Cholangiocarcinoma I Treat Reminds Me of My Dad”

How personal loss led to professional purpose, and why she encourages second opinions

At the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, we are inspired by people who channel their personal experiences into meaningful change for others. Dr. Trudy Wu is one of those people. As a radiation oncologist at UCLA Health, CCF research advocate, and legacy caregiver, Trudy brings a unique perspective to her practice and the community we serve. In this candid Q&A, Trudy shares how her father’s diagnosis changed her life and how she now uses that journey to guide and empower patients and families.

CCF: You have both a personal and professional connection to cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Can you tell us about that?

Trudy Wu: Absolutely. My connection started when I was in college. My dad, who was a physician himself, was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma during my freshman year. It was an incidental finding on a CT scan. At first, we didn’t think it was anything serious, so it was a shock when it turned out to be cholangiocarcinoma. Both of my parents are doctors, and I was pre-med at the time, so it hit us on multiple levels.

For almost five years, our lives revolved around his care— scans, chemo infusions, and lab work. Our life revolved around his monthly CA 19-9 marker draw and dictated the entire family’s mood. If it was stable or lower, we could breathe for a little while. But right before the next draw, the anxiety would build up again. That rhythm, that emotional toll, it stays with me.

CCF: You eventually decided to pursue oncology, despite how hard that time was. What led you there?

Trudy Wu: After my dad passed, just before I started medical school, I honestly thought I’d avoid oncology. His funeral was on the same day as my white coat ceremony. It was a really emotional time. As I progressed through medical school, I found myself continually drawn back to the care of cancer patients, where I discovered the deepest sense of meaning. I realized that by combining my personal experience with my clinical training, I could make a significant impact. Today I’m a radiation oncologist, and although radiation isn’t always indicated in the management of cholangiocarcinoma, I’m passionate about exploring where it can make a difference.

CCF: How does your personal story shape the way you treat patients today?

Trudy Wu: It influences everything. When I care for patients, I don’t just see a diagnosis — I see my dad. I know what it feels like to be on the other side, as a family member.  I understand the fear, the waiting, the constant cycle of hope and uncertainty. That empathy allows me to connect in a more meaningful way. And I try to let patients know: we, as providers, are human too. Many of us have been through this personally, and we truly care.

CCF: You’ve attended the CCF Annual Conference as both an advocate and a provider. What was that experience like?

Trudy Wu: So powerful. I attended during residency, and meeting patients and other advocates in Salt Lake City was incredible. It’s rare the way CCF brings patients, researchers, and providers together. There’s so much respect and openness in those conversations, and it really reminds you why we do this work. Each CCF event leaves me deeply inspired and filled with hope.
CCF: How do you support your patients beyond the clinical side?

Trudy Wu: There’s a huge psychological component to this diagnosis. Patients often go home and start Googling — they see scary statistics and feel overwhelmed. That’s why I always point them to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. The mentorship program, CholangioConnect, is amazing. In fact, one of my patients is a mentor. Patients need to hear success stories and connect with others facing similar challenges. I truly believe that hope and a strong mindset can shape how someone faces cancer, and the CCF provides exactly that.

CCF: What should patients know about treating cholangiocarcinoma?

Trudy Wu: For any rare cancer, it’s crucial to seek care at a large academic center with a multidisciplinary team — including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and others. Treatment is inherently collaborative, and you’re not limited to one institution or one path. Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions — you won’t offend anyone. You are your strongest advocate! Take advantage of telehealth to connect with experts, stay informed about the latest treatments and clinical trials, and share what you learn with others in the CCF community. 

CCF: What’s one message you’d want every patient and family to hear?

Trudy Wu: Get a second opinion. 1,000%. I can’t stress it enough. It’s not about mistrusting your doctor. It’s about making sure you’ve explored all your options. Cholangiocarcinoma is rare, and many community providers simply don’t see much of it. I truly believe my dad lived almost five years because he had the medical background to advocate for himself—he was driving his own care and making sure no stone was left unturned. 

If you don’t have that kind of knowledge, a second opinion can be your safety net or leverage the CCF network. We are here for you. Today, with telehealth, it’s more accessible than ever to leading experts. You deserve care from a team that treats patients with cholangiocarcinoma frequently. Often, that means going to a tertiary or academic center where there’s expertise and clinical trials.

CCF: Are there emerging areas of research in cholangiocarcinoma that you’re excited about?

Trudy Wu: Absolutely. One of my personal passions is evaluating the role of orthotopic liver transplantation in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. I’ve been collaborating with colleagues and using multi-institutional data through the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation to further explore. The Foundation has been instrumental in building databases and encouraging collaboration, which opens the door for more targeted, patient-focused research.

CCF: Any final thoughts?

Trudy Wu: No one should have to face this alone. The Foundation gave my father—and our family—hope and connection when we needed it most. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into the journey, there’s a community here to support you. As both a physician and a daughter, I’m grateful for that every single day.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation is here for you. Learn more about getting a second opinion, connecting with experts, and finding support at cholangiocarcinoma.org.