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Advances in Treatment, Diagnosis, and Care


 

Liver Disease Prevention Through Nutrition
Join us on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM PST | 6:00 PM EST for GLI’s Liver Cancer Lessons: Liver Disease Prevention Through Nutrition, an educational webinar that discusses the impact nutrition has on liver health. Featuring Dr. Jennifer C. Lai and patient advocates Karen Hoyt and Susan Horava, attendees will gain valuable insights into the connection between nutrition and liver disease prevention, empowering them to make informed lifestyle choices.

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LEAP-012 Publication Snapshot

Discover insights from the Phase 3 LEAP-012 study evaluating lenvatinib + pembrolizumab + TACE versus double placebo + TACE for patients with intermediate HCC. In this short expert video, Prof. Arndt Vogel covers the key findings from the publication and places the results into clinical context. Watch the video for key takeaways and download the infographic for a quick reference.

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Update on The US Department of Defense Medical Research 

The US Department of Defense supports medical research across a variety of disease states through Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDRMP) that benefit Service members, their families, and the American public. Research into liver cancer and other liver diseases is included within this program, making this fund critical for veterans and their families who are impacted by liver-related illnesses.

The recently passed Fiscal Year 2025 Continuing Resolution (CR) included a nearly 60% cut to the CDRMP. As of now, it is unclear what these cuts will mean for liver-related research.


 

Statin Use Linked With Reduced Risks in Chronic Liver Disease

A cohort study found that statin, a medication often used in patients with chronic liver disease, was linked to a lower risk of liver cancer and hepatic decompensation. Statin users had a 33% reduced risk of liver cancer and a 22% lower risk of hepatic decompensation compared to non-users. Longer satin use and exposure to lipophilic satins were linked to even greater risk reductions. The findings in this study have emphasized the potential of satin being a chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma, although more research is needed.

MedPage Today

 

MRI Outperforms Ultrasound in Liver Cancer Surveillance

A randomized trial found that noncontrast MRI is more effective than ultrasonography (US) for liver cancer surveillance in cirrhotic patients. MRI detected tumors earlier and reduced false-positive results, leading to fewer unnecessary interventions. Additionally, noncontrast MRI was able to identify more stage 0 tumors compared to ultrasonography, emphasizing its early detection capability. These findings suggest that noncontrast MRI could be a superior surveillance tool for at-risk patients.


 

This Radiation Therapy Outperformed TACE in Liver Cancer

A meta-analysis revealed that patients with early to intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) experienced improved local control and progression-free survival compared to those treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). These results indicate that EBRT may serve as an effective first-line treatment option for HCC patients. Establishing EBRT as a viable first-line option could expand access to a less invasive and more effective treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for more patients.


 

The 2024 ILTS-ILCA consensus recommendations for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

An international consensus conference, hosted by the International Liver Transplantation Society and the International Liver Cancer Association, brought together experts to establish updated guidelines for liver transplantation (LT) in liver cancer patients. The consensus covered patient selection, waitlisting criteria, pre-transplant treatments such as immunotherapy, living donor LT, and post-transplant care. While practices vary across centers, there is growing interest in expanding LT access for patients with larger or biologically favorable tumors, allowing more patients to benefit from this life-saving treatment.


 

Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Practical Guide for Oncologists

Designed as a practical resource for oncologists, this guide explores the widespread impact of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment (CRCI) and the challenges it presents in diagnosis, often overlapping with aging, anxiety, and depression. Learn why routine screening and early recognition are essential, and explore practical strategies—like exercise, mindfulness, and cognitive techniques—that can help manage symptoms. With insights into emerging pharmacological treatments and a structured approach for patient support, this guide equips oncologists with the tools to better understand and address CRCI, ultimately improving care and quality of life for those affected.


 

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    For more information about the Liver Cancers Council or to learn more about joining, please visit https://globalliver.org/liver-cancers-council/ or email cancer@globalliver.org