About Rare Cancers

Rare cancer patients and researchers need our help.

TargetCancer Foundation Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Line Bank

Insufficient funding for rare cancer research leaves patients with very few, if any, treatment options.

Cost vs. Benefits

Developing treatments for rare cancers is often not financially viable for pharmaceutical companies.1

Pill-Bottle
TargetCancer Foundation Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Line Bank

Due to the lack of funding, researchers lack basic tools needed to make progress. In many cases patients are treated with therapies designed for other cancers.

EXAMPLE

In 2018, the top three cancers funded by the National Cancer Institute received close to $1.2 billion in funding, while esophageal cancer received 2.5% of that amount.2

Top Three NCI Funded Cancers
Esophageal Cancer
TargetCancer Foundation Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Line Bank

Clinical trials often offer effective opportunities for treatment in rare cancers, but many barriers prevent patients from enrolling.3

EXAMPLE

The National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 18,440 new cases of esophageal cancer and 16,170 deaths in 2020 alone.4

New Cases
Deaths

We advocate for those facing rare cancers by funding innovative research, raising awareness, and providing patient support.