APASL President Doctor Shuichiro Shiina Invites You to Attend the 2024 the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Conference in Kyoto, Japan

APASL President Doctor Shuichiro Shiina Invites You to Attend the 2024 the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Conference in Kyoto, Japan

At the 58th European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Annual Meeting, also known as EASL 2023 Congress, Professor Shuichiro Shiina, the President of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL)  and a professor of gastroenterology at Juntendo University in Japan, was invited to attend the conference. He engaged in a stimulating roundtable discussion with hepatologists from various countries on the topic of "Hepatology and Hepatologists of the Future: Opportunities and Challenges." Hepatology Digest had the privilege of inviting Doctor Shuichiro Shiina to share his insights and experiences from his visit to EASL, as well as his expectations for the 2024 APASL Annual Meeting.
New Insights from EASL: The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in Preventing and Treating NAFLD/NASH in Children and Adults

New Insights from EASL: The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in Preventing and Treating NAFLD/NASH in Children and Adults

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease globally and is independently associated with an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases. Approximately one-third of the global population is currently facing the health threat posed by NAFLD, yet it appears that healthcare systems are not giving it enough attention. On the first day of the 58th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL 2023) and the EASL Congress 2023, Doctor Elisabetta Bugianesi from the Department of Digestive Internal Medicine at the University of Turin, Italy, urged the public to take NAFLD seriously. She provided a detailed overview of lifestyle interventions as a key means of preventing and treating NAFLD, sharing the latest research evidence, guideline recommendations, and future strategies. Hepatology Digest has compiled this report for the benefit of its readers.
Dr. Ming Zhao: Key Clinical Research in Hepatocellular Carcinoma|Highlights from APPLE 2023

Dr. Ming Zhao: Key Clinical Research in Hepatocellular Carcinoma|Highlights from APPLE 2023

From July 6th to 8th, 2023, the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023) was held in Seoul, South Korea. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) experts from around the world gathered to rekindle academic discussions on HCC's basics, clinical aspects, research, and technology offline. The conference featured the latest research results from over a thousand scholars representing more than 50 countries. In this publication, Dr. Ming Zhao from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, China, offers insightful interpretations of the significant clinical research emerging from APPLE 2023 for the benefit of our readers.
Dr. Xinwei Wang: The Molecular Landscape and Clinical Significance of Liver Cancer

Dr. Xinwei Wang: The Molecular Landscape and Clinical Significance of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers in China. Due to the low early diagnosis rate of liver cancer in clinical practice, treatment options such as radical liver resection and transplantation face significant limitations. In recent years, there has been a surge in liver cancer genomics research, providing new insights into early diagnosis, patient stratification, and treatment prognosis. From July 6th to 8th, 2023, the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Conference (APPLE 2023) was held in Seoul, South Korea. During the conference, Dr. Xinwei Wang from the U.S. National Cancer Institute gave a special lecture on "The Molecular Landscape and Clinical Significance of Liver Cancer." Hepatology Digest had the privilege of inviting Dr. Wang to share recent significant developments in this research field and delve into the potential applications and prospects of liver cancer genomics research for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction.
Dr. Huichuan Sun: Focusing on the Asia-Pacific Region, Leading the Frontier – Exploring Breakthroughs in the Treatment of Hepatobiliary Tumor

Dr. Huichuan Sun: Focusing on the Asia-Pacific Region, Leading the Frontier – Exploring Breakthroughs in the Treatment of Hepatobiliary Tumor

The 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023) recently concluded in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together top experts in liver and biliary system tumors from around the world to discuss clinical hot topics and challenges. Dr. Huichuan Sun from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China, shares and interprets the latest developments and frontiers, including the Asia-Pacific consensus and groundbreaking research with us.
Dr. Zhaochong Zeng: Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Burden – Latest Advances in Radiotherapy for Liver Cancer Treatment

Dr. Zhaochong Zeng: Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Burden – Latest Advances in Radiotherapy for Liver Cancer Treatment

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), as a novel radiotherapy technique, has achieved encouraging results in the treatment of liver cancer. It not only improves local tumor control but also reduces distant metastases caused by tumors. Additionally, it minimizes radiation therapy-related complications, enhancing the quality of life for patients after treatment. However, how to maximize the role of SBRT in comprehensive liver cancer treatment is a topic worthy of further exploration. At the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023), Dr. Zhaochong Zeng and his team from Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China, presented two studies selected for oral and poster presentations, focusing on improving the effectiveness of SBRT and reducing radiation therapy-related adverse reactions, which attracted significant attention at the conference. In this article, Dr. Zeng shares insights into these two studies.
Dr. Gong Li: Combined Radiotherapy, Anti-Angiogenic Medication, and Immunotherapy for Downstaging Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated by Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus

Dr. Gong Li: Combined Radiotherapy, Anti-Angiogenic Medication, and Immunotherapy for Downstaging Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated by Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in China, with most patients diagnosed in the intermediate to advanced stages. The formation of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is a critical indicator of HCC progression, and patients with HCC combined with PVTT have a very poor prognosis. Previous studies have shown that low-dose radiotherapy can extend the survival of HCC patients with PVTT. From July 6th to 8th, 2023, the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023) was held in Seoul, South Korea. At the conference, a team led by Academician Jiahong Dong, Dr. Gong Li, and Dr. Keran Li from Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital,  Tsinghua University, China, presented a clinical study (Abstract Number: PE-97), investigating whether PVTT is more sensitive to radiotherapy than the primary tumor and exploring the efficacy of downstaging treatment in HCC patients with PVTT through the combination of radiotherapy, anti-angiogenic medication, and immunotherapy. Hepatology Digest had the privilege of inviting Dr. Gong Li to share the results of this research and its clinical application prospects.
Dr.Wai-Kay Seto: Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Long-Term HBV Treatment

Dr.Wai-Kay Seto: Balancing the Risks and Benefits of Long-Term HBV Treatment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious goals in its Action Plan for the Elimination of Viral Hepatitis: by 2030, the diagnosis rate for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) should reach 90%, the treatment rate for eligible patients should be 80%, new infections should decrease by 90%, and related deaths should decrease by 65%. However, recent data shows that in mainland China and Hong Kong, the diagnosis rates for CHB are only 19% and 27%, respectively, and the treatment rates are only 11% and 22%, respectively. Globally, the diagnosis and treatment rates for CHB are only 10% and 5%, respectively. Achieving WHO's 2030 goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat remains a daunting challenge. At the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023), Dr. Wai-Kay Seto from the University of Hong Kong, China, was invited to give a special report on the risks and benefits of long-term HBV treatment.
Dr. Masatoshi Kudo: Does the Treatment Paradigm for Intermediate HCC Need to Change?

Dr. Masatoshi Kudo: Does the Treatment Paradigm for Intermediate HCC Need to Change?

In recent years, there has been rapid progress in the systemic treatment of liver cancer, with new immunotherapies and targeted therapies continually emerging. This has also driven ongoing innovation in the concepts and approaches for treating HCC. From July 6th to 8th, 2023, the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Experts Conference (APPLE 2023) was held in Seoul, South Korea. During the conference, one of the founders of APPLE, Dr. Masatoshi Kudo from Kindai University in Japan, shared the latest research developments in systemic treatment for intermediate HCC and its potential applications. Hepatology Digest had the privilege of conducting an in-depth interview with Dr. Kudo at the APPLE conference. Here, we present the contents of that interview for our readers.