Overview

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) encompasses a diverse group of invasive cancers that include gallbladder cancer and intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal cholangiocarcinomas, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers. Each subtype has distinct clinical and molecular features which complicate diagnosis and require personalized workup and assessment for complications (Vogel et al, 2023). Genomic research in recent years has begun to uncover the molecular underpinnings of BTC and introduce the development of targeted therapies for unique molecular alterations (Lee & Song, 2024). With a rapidly evolving diagnostic and therapeutic landscape, it is crucial that the interprofessional team remain up-to-date on emerging treatment strategies in order to provide optimal care for their patients. This Multidisciplinary Task Force will explore challenges and innovations in BTC. It features perspectives from Anjana Pillai, MD, Professor of Medicine and Surgery and Medical Director of the Liver Tumor Program at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center; Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO, Chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and Professor in the College of Medicine at the University of Arizona Cancer Center; Melinda Bachini, Chief Patient Officer of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation; Molly Meeks, RN, BSN, OCN®, Clinical Coordinator of GI Medical Oncology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center; and Xuchen Zhang, MD, PhD, Professor of Pathology and Director of the Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology Program at Yale University School of Medicine. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Recognize signs and symptoms of biliary tract cancer (BTC) to help facilitate early diagnosis and intervention 
• Explain how molecular testing results inform treatment decisions for patients with BTC 
• Discuss the factors involved in selecting initial and subsequent therapies for patients with advanced BTC, incorporating the principles of personalized medicine
• Evaluate the potential of targeting the MDM2-p53 pathway as a treatment approach for advanced BTC

Target Audience

Medical and surgical oncologists, oncopathologists, oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants/associates, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients biliary tract cancer (BTC).

For more information please visit the official event page.