First recipients of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation's Innovation Grant

The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation announced a request for proposals for the Innovation Grant, asking applicants to examine the complex immunological dynamics underlying acquired resistance to immunotherapy. The Foundation received 12 letters of intent and the Bachrach Family Foundation committed to funding the top-scored application at $250,000 for one year. After conducting a thorough review process, CCF selected Dr. R. Katie Kelley of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Dr. Tim Greten of the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute (NCI) as the awardees for their project titled "Understanding Molecular and Immunological Mechanisms of Acquired Resistance in Cholangiocarcinoma." Cholangiocarcinoma, rare and often fatal, presents significant challenges in treatment and understanding its underlying mechanisms. Dr. Kelley and Dr. Greten's project aims to address this by investigating the hypothesis that tumor-derived signals, particularly those influencing CD14+ monocytes, play a crucial role in mediating acquired resistance to immunotherapy in cholangiocarcinoma. Their innovative approach will involve examining clinical cohorts and utilizing mouse models and cell-based studies to delve into the molecular and immunological complexities of the disease.