Patient Webinars

AMMF Webinar Series

AMMF, the UK’s only dedicated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) charity, is delighted to have now launched our Webinar Series – designed to inform, support, and empower the CCA community. Covering a range of topics relevant to patients, carers, and families, this series will take a holistic approach to care, offering expert insights and practical advice. 

From understanding clinical trials and treatment options to exploring supportive care like nutrition and patient wellbeing, the webinars will provide reliable information and an opportunity to connect with specialists, advocates, and the wider CCA community.


4. Session Four: Liver transplantation in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)

This information session focused on Liver transplantation in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) – an evolving treatment option that has just been introduced in the UK for two groups:

  • Patients with perihilar CCA in those with primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • Patients with intrahepatic CCA in those with chronic liver disease

Speakers:
Professor Douglas Thorburn, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Professor Maria Hawkins, University College London
Sally Falk, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Patient Advocates:
Dr Helen Morement, Founder and CEO, AMMF -The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity
Paul Howard, AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity
Mark Chatterley, PSC Support
Date: Wednesday, 11 February 2026

This session included

  • Liver transplantation for CCA an overview of the new situation, including eligibility criteria and what the process involves.
  • Proton Beam Therapy – What proton beam therapy is and why it is now being used as part of the preparation for CCA patients with PSC prior to transplantation.
  • EMPHATIC (ABC13) Study – What participation involves for patients receiving proton beam therapy as part of their pre-transplant work-up.
  • What is involved in a liver transplant – preparation for, the procedure itself, and what happens afterwards.   

This session featured presentations from Professor Douglas Thorburn, Professor Maria Hawkins and Sally Falk, a moderated discussion with patient advocates and a live Q&A session.

Content warning: This webinar includes clinical information, and some slides contain medical and potentially graphic imagery.

Important note
This is a complex topic, and the slides are intended to accompany the webinar recording and speaker explanations. They should not be viewed as a standalone resource.

If you have questions about your own treatment or circumstances, please speak with your healthcare team. You are also welcome to contact AMMF for further information and support.


3. Session Three: Understanding the role of stents in the management of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)

This information session focused on understanding the role of stents in the management of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) – an essential element for many personalised treatment plans for CCA.

Speaker: Dr Christopher Wadsworth, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 
AMMF funded research:  
Professor Sheela Jayaraman, University of Nottingham
Patient Advocates: 
Andy Clay and Kevin Rodger (CCA Patient Advocates)
Date:
Wednesday, 24 September 2025

This session included

  • What are stents and why they are used in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA): Explore the role of stents in the management of cholangiocarcinoma what they are, how they work, and why they’re an important tool in the management of cholangiocarcinoma.
  • Types of stents and how they are inserted: Learn about the different types of stents used in the management of cholangiocarcinoma, how they are inserted, and the clinical reasons why one type may be preferred over another.
  • Aftercare and potential complications: What to expect following a stent procedure,
    understand the key aspects of post procedure care, recognise signs of potential complications, and learn how to manage recovery after stent placement for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
  • Research updates: Discover ongoing research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with cholangiocarcinoma.
  • Real life experiences: Hear firsthand from individuals who have undergone multiple stent procedures as part of their cholangiocarcinoma treatment.

This session featured a presentation by Dr Christopher Wadsworth, a research update from Professor Sheela Jayaraman, a moderated discussion with patient advocates and a live Q&A session.

Watch the Webinar Recording

Watch the full recording below:


2. Session Two: Unlocking the Power of Molecular Profiling in Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)

This informative session focused on molecular profiling in CCA – a crucial aspect of personalised treatment planning for CCA.

This session explored how molecular profiling and biomarker testing can help identify targeted therapies, giving patients and carers the tools to make informed decisions about care and treatment options.

Speaker: Dr Matt Evans, NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub, Southampton
Q&A – Clinical Perspective: Professor Chiara Braconi, University of Glasgow and Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre
Patient Advocates: Ilona Smith and Kevin Rodger (CCA Patient Advocates)
Date: 17 June 2025

The session included:

  • What molecular profiling is: Discover genetic testing and how it is used to inform treatment decisions for CCA;
  • How molecular profiling personalises treatment: Learn how targeted therapies are determined through the results of molecular testing, and how this can improve outcomes;
  • The role of biomarker testing: Discover what biomarker tests are, how they work, and how they can be used to guide decisions in treatment;
  • Advocating for molecular testing: Understand how to advocate for molecular profiling as part of your treatment plan, and the key questions to ask your healthcare team;
  • Real-life experiences: Hear how molecular profiling has impacted real patients and how it’s changing the approach to CCA treatment.

The session featured a presentation by Dr Matt Evans, a moderated discussion with patient advocates, and a live Q&A session.

Watch the Webinar Recording

Watch the full recording below:

Download the Slides

To access the slides shared during the webinar, click here.


1. Session One: Navigating Clinical Trials – Trial Terminology and Key Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team

Speaker: Professor John Bridgewater, UCL Cancer Institute, London
Patient Advocates: Andrea Sheardown and Andy Clay (CCA Patient Advocates and AMMF Discussion Forum Moderators)
Date: 12 December 2024

The first webinar in AMMF’s series focused on clinical trials – an essential part of advancing care for CCA. This session offered clear explanations and practical advice to those exploring trials as a treatment option or seeking to better understand what they involve. 

The session included:

  • Understanding clinical trials: Learn about trial phases, key terminology, and their role in improving outcomes;
  • Questions to ask your healthcare provider: Gain confidence in discussing trial options, logistics, and alternatives with your care team;
  • Patient insights: Listen to patient advocates explain their experiences, and the impact of clinical trials on the CCA community.

The session featured a presentation by Professor John Bridgewater, a moderated discussion with patient advocates, and a live Q&A session.

Watch the Webinar Recording

Watch the full recording below:

Download the Slides

To access the slides shared during the webinar, click here.


February 2026