SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) has been approved for a Eugene Washington Engagement Award by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to support its 2016 Annual Conference on February 3-6 in Salt Lake City. 

Thirty-four presenters from 6 countries will join an audience of 150 researchers, physicians, nurses, patients, caregivers, and others invested in cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), a rare but fatal disease.

The program seeks to develop sustainable participation of the medical and scientific communities by presenting current data on basic, translational and clinical research and increasing the knowledge of attendees about key issues central to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure for cholangiocarcinoma.

Because patients living with cholangiocarcinoma have a direct stake in their own medical care and are in a unique position to provide input, CCF has expanded the conference programming to address questions and concerns that are important to patients and their families. Those who have experienced this devastating disease firsthand will be invited to learn about cholangiocarcinoma, share their personal experiences, and contribute to future efforts to further cholangiocarcinoma research.

During the PCORI sessions on Wednesday, February 3^rd from 3:00pm-8:00pm (Eastern), a live webcast will allow viewers around the world to ask questions and participate in the discussions.

Donna Mayer, CCF Executive Director states "The PCORI support will allow CCF to incorporate patient and family participation into our meeting which will further allow the medical community to understand the depth and breadth of the patient experience when faced with a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Our goal is that these interactions will ultimately improve patient quality of life and stimulate interest in the research community to work together to find new treatments and a cure."

About PCORI
PCORI is an independent, non-profit organization authorized by Congress in 2010 to fund comparative effectiveness research to provide patients, caregivers and clinicians with evidence needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions. PCORI has awarded nearly $11.4 million to support 60 projects through the highly competitive Engagement Awards program.

About the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
Now celebrating its 10^th Anniversary, CCF is a global 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by bile duct cancer through advocacy, education, collaboration and research. Visit www.cholangiocarcinoma.org to learn more.

Contact:
Donna Mayer, Executive Director
donna.mayer@cholangiocarcinoma.org
801-999-0455

SOURCE Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation