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. 
Dr. Kathryn J. Fowler: When to Consider Biopsy – Radiologist’s Perspective

Dr. Kathryn J. Fowler: When to Consider Biopsy – Radiologist’s Perspective

The diagnosis of liver cancer involves three aspects, including imaging, blood test results, and biopsy pathology results. Typically, the diagnosis of a tumor is confirmed only under a microscope after obtaining pathological tissue. However, liver cancer has its unique characteristics, and its diagnosis can be based on cirrhosis and confirmed through imaging tests such as computer tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging. At the recently concluded 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Conference (APPLE 2023), Dr. Kathryn J. Fowler from the University of California, San Diego, shared insights from the perspective of a radiologist on the effectiveness and reliability of liver cancer imaging in clinical diagnosis, as well as the positive role of imaging in the classification and prognosis prediction of liver cancer patients. Hepatology Digest had the privilege of conducting an in-depth interview with Dr. Fowler at the conference, and we have compiled the content for our readers.
APPLE 2023 | Combining KRAS inhibitors may enhance immunotherapeutic response in liver cancer patients

APPLE 2023 | Combining KRAS inhibitors may enhance immunotherapeutic response in liver cancer patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver tumor in our country, posing a significant threat to the lives and health of our people. Presently, the treatment for advanced HCC is primarily systemic therapy based on targeted and immunotherapy. Deciding on the appropriate multi-target inhibitors and immunotherapies for combined treatment is a hot topic in current research. At the recently concluded 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023), researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China, presented a study (Abstract Number: OP-07) that reveals the mechanism of the wild-type Kras gene in HCC immune evasion. This research suggests that combining KRAS inhibitors might enhance the immunotherapeutic response in liver cancer patients, earning it the honor of an outstanding oral report. We have compiled and edited the findings of this study for our readers.
Dr. Hanchong Toh: Promising Prospects for Immune Adjuvant Therapy in Liver Cancer

Dr. Hanchong Toh: Promising Prospects for Immune Adjuvant Therapy in Liver Cancer

Liver cancer has become the 6th most common and the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. For liver cancer patients, surgery is the preferred method to completely eliminate tumors and achieve long-term survival. However, the majority of liver cancer patients still face late diagnoses and low survival rates. In recent years, the systemic treatment of liver cancer has progressed rapidly, with new immunotherapies and targeted drugs emerging, promoting continuous innovation in liver cancer treatment concepts and schemes. From July 6-8, 2023, the 13th Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE 2023) was grandly held in Seoul, South Korea. At the conference, Dr. Hanchong Toh from the National Cancer Centre Singapore shared the latest developments in immune adjuvant therapy for liver cancer.