by Christine Lafontaine
I wanted to share a short summary of key themes and insights from the 2025 Canadian Cancer Research Conference (CCRC), held in Calgary earlier this month. While the event covered all cancer types, many sessions touched on topics that are especially relevant for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma and other rare or gastrointestinal cancers.
I attended alongside 3 C3 sponsored patients: Cynthia Mitchell, Corri Desaulniers, and Heba Affifi.
L to R: Christine Lafontaine, Cynthia Mitchell, Corri Desaulniers, and Heba Affifi at CCRC 2025 in Calgary
There were over 800 posters, 4 plenary sessions, 4 break-out sessions each with 7 topics to choose from, and 2 lightning series (5 min presentations), each with 7 topics to choose from. We had a very busy couple of days! Many meaningful conversations and connections were made, which will help us continue to keep the C3 community informed and educated about research happening right here in Canada!
🧬 Immunotherapy: Expanding Beyond Blood Cancers
CAR-T cell therapy and other immune-based treatments continue to advance rapidly. Canada’s CLIC network (Canadian Led Immunotherapy Collaborative) is now running trials for new “off-the-shelf” CAR-T approaches and working toward expanding access to solid tumour cancers such as ovarian, pancreatic, and cholangiocarcinoma in the coming years.
Researchers emphasized that combination treatments—for example, pairing immunotherapy with chemotherapy or metabolic drugs—are likely to be more effective than single-agent approaches.
🧫 Metabolic Health & Lifestyle
Speakers highlighted that metabolic health directly impacts both cancer prevention and survival.
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Regular physical activity (150–300 minutes per week) can reduce mortality risk by up to 40% after diagnosis.
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Weight management and blood-sugar control (including newer GLP-1 medications) may lower gastrointestinal cancer risk, particularly in women.
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Sleep, nutrition, and movement together form a powerful part of treatment and recovery.
👥 Patient-Centered Research
There’s a strong national movement toward making patients true partners in cancer research.
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The Marathon of Hope “Patient Voices in Research” initiative is the first program in Canada where patients and caregivers help design and select funded research projects.
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Priority themes include equity, access to precision medicine, rare cancers, and survivorship.
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New patient advisory groups across Canada are working with researchers to improve access to trials and to make cancer care more holistic and inclusive.
🔬 Emerging Research
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Liquid biopsy (blood-based testing) for early detection and monitoring recurrence continues to show promise—particularly valuable for cancers like cholangiocarcinoma that are difficult to biopsy.
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Localized drug delivery systems, such as injectable nanogels, may allow chemotherapy to be targeted directly to tumours with fewer side effects.
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Microbiome research is revealing how gut bacteria can influence the success of immunotherapy treatments.
📈 Early-Onset Cancers on the Rise
Researchers noted an increase in cancers diagnosed in adults under 50, especially colorectal and gastrointestinal types. Work is underway to identify risk factors (diet, inactivity, environmental exposures) and to improve screening and early detection.