Past Presidents' Luncheon

Presenters in this session review the challenges in managing patients with various types of liver disease that are commonly consults for the hepatologist. Topics include viral hepatitis, iron overload, steatotic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Wilson copper storage disease (WD) research is rapidly evolving. New diagnostic and therapeutic approaches will alter the way the disease is managed in the years ahead. These scientific advances will ensure that patients are receiving accurate diagnoses and effective therapies, thus preventing end-organ injury. Experts review the current guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of WD and contrast this with emerging novel diagnostics and therapeutics, including gene therapy.

Elliot Tapper, MD FAASLD, will present the Leon Schiff State of the Art Lecture, "Symptom Science in Hepatology and a Future of Improved Outcomes." This lecture will explore the cutting-edge developments in symptom science within hepatology, emphasizing the critical role of understanding patient preferences in advancing care and improving outcomes. We will discuss the optimal and innovative tools for efficient determination of these preferences, enabling clinicians to tailor interventions to individual needs. We will highlight the methods and importance of patient-centered clinical trial design, ensuring that research is feasible and aligns with patient priorities.
 

This session focuses on the nuances of selection of therapies for MASH and metabolic complications. Topics include the experience garnered following the US Food and Drug Administration approval of resmetirom and new therapeutic agents currently in phase 3 clinical trials. 

This interactive session provides clinicians a unique opportunity to both learn and practice evidence-based skills for handling tough conversations they may experience with patients and families. Presenters first review evidence-based approaches for common communication challenges (eg, delivering serious news, handling uncertainty, responding to emotions), discuss key phrases, and model ideal and less-than-ideal encounters. Participants then break into small groups to practice core serious illness communication skills using standardized patient encounters and receive in-the-moment feedback from experts. Presenters lead a group reflection to conclude the session.

Emerging evidence has shed light on the complexity of the gut microbiome and its influence on the tumor immune microenvironment, tumorigenesis, and therapeutic responses. Sequencing studies have examined the differential microbiota composition between healthy individuals and patients with cirrhotic liver disease. Recent studies have shown the influence of the gut microbiome on liver cancer development and progression. Thereby, the gut microbiome represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention, and its composition may potentially serve as a predictive biomarker for enhanced responses to immunotherapy. In this session, experts review recent advances in our understanding of: (1) the role of the gut microbiome in influencing liver cancer tumorigenesis and progression; (2) the effect of the gut microbiome on immunotherapy sensitivities; (3) the relationship of the gut microbiome with the immune system; and (4) the development of novel therapeutics.

Experts examine and discuss the latest information regarding the management of special populations with chronic HCV infection. The unique and key populations addressed in the session include men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, persons in carceral facilities, pregnant individuals, children, and people who inject drugs.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among patients with MASH. The mechanisms by which liver fibrosis due to MASH promotes cardiovascular disease are not clear. Moreover, emerging data suggest that cardiac disease may promote liver fibrosis progression. In this session, speakers provide a clinical overview of the association between MASH-related fibrosis/cirrhosis and cardiovascular disease, and dissect potential underlying mechanisms.
 

Cosponsored by the Inclusion and Diversity Committee, the Women's Initiatives Committee, and the LGBTQ Taskforce, the program centers on academic advancement, promotion, and tenure for under-represented groups in hepatology. Under-represented groups—which can vary by context and geography—may identify by race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, disability, etc. Speakers' presentations focus on various aspects of academic advancement, including talks aimed at junior faculty and trainees regarding academic advancement and promotion for clinical track faculty, and academic advancement and tenure for research and basic science oriented faculty. Barriers to academic rank promotion for nurse practitioner and physician associate faculty are discussed as well as the need for a consistent framework for academic advancement for across institutions. All are welcome.