EASL Liver Cancer Summit 2026 Scientific Programme
The 2026 EASL Liver Cancer Summit in Edinburgh will present the latest in liver cancer research and clinical care.
Day 1 focuses on the link between MASLD and HCC, advances in surveillance methods and blood-based biomarkers, and cutting-edge tools like spatial transcriptomics and AI. Sessions will also explore the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and cholangiocarcinoma, highlighting emerging targets and innovative therapies.
Day 2 covers evolving strategies in liver cancer surgery, transplantation, and neoadjuvant treatments. It includes updates from pivotal Phase III trials, developments in locoregional therapies such as TACE and TARE, and debates on staging systems, SBRT, and the role of palliative care. The day also features oral presentations on recent research.
Day 3 explores systemic therapies for HCC, including treatment sequencing, immunotherapy selection, and care for patients with impaired liver function. The closing session looks ahead to biomarker-driven therapy, healthcare equity, and patient-centred care in liver oncology.
Join leading experts from across disciplines to shape the future of liver cancer treatment from 22–24 January 2026 in Edinburgh.
Programme overview
Discover the sessions
Session 1: Epidemiology, risk factors, and surveillance for HCC
This session explores the growing burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its link to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Experts will present current and emerging strategies for early detection and surveillance of HCC, including insights from clinical trials comparing ultrasound (US), abbreviated MRI, and promising developments in blood-based biomarkers. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting MASLD and HCC risk mitigation will also be discussed, highlighting the need for integrated diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the relationship between MASLD and increased HCC risk and recognise the implications for clinical management.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of current surveillance methods, in detecting early-stage HCC and interpret the findings from ongoing clinical trials focused on optimising HCC surveillance.
- Discuss the potential of blood-based biomarkers as non-invasive tools for early HCC detection.
Session 2: Molecular advances in HCC development and progression
This session highlights cutting-edge technologies and emerging insights shaping the future of liver cancer research and diagnosis. Topics include the application of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to better understand tumour heterogeneity, the influence of the gut-liver microbiome axis in liver cancer progression, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing pathology and radiology assessments.
Learning objectives:
- Explain how single cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics are used to map cellular diversity and interactions in liver cancer.
- Describe the impact of the gut microbiome on liver carcinogenesis and its potential as a diagnostic or therapeutic target.
- Discuss how artificial intelligence is being integrated into pathology and radiology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of liver cancer assessment.
- Recognise the potential of these innovations to inform precision medicine and guide future research directions in liver oncology.
Session 3: State-of-the-Art: Overview of pathogenesis of HCC and future prospects
This lecture provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It will explore key pathogenic pathways, including inflammation, fibrosis, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and metabolic dysregulation, and will examine emerging concepts and future directions in HCC research, including novel therapeutic targets and strategies for personalized treatment.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the major molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HCC.
- Discuss current challenges and gaps in understanding HCC pathogenesis.
- Explore future prospects for improving HCC prevention, diagnosis, and therapy through targeted research and innovation.
Session 4: Cholangiocarcinoma and rare liver tumours: pathogenesis and treatment
This session offers a comprehensive update on cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and rare liver tumours, covering its molecular pathogenesis, tumour microenvironment, and current clinical management. Experts will review indications for surgical resection and liver transplantation, and discuss established and emerging systemic therapies.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the molecular mechanisms and tumour microenvironment influencing the development and progression of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Summarise current criteria and outcomes for surgical resection and liver transplantation in CCA.
- Describe recommended first-line systemic therapies for cholangiocarcinoma as well as novel and emerging targeted therapies and immunotherapies for advanced CCA.
- Recognise current challenges and advances in the management of rare primary liver tumours.
Session 5: Novelties in neoadjuvant and surgical therapies
This session explores cutting-edge advancements in the surgical and transplant management of hepatobiliary cancers. Topics include the adoption of novel techniques such as robotic-assisted resections, current evidence on neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, and innovative strategies to expand the liver donor pool. Special focus will also be given to extended criteria and downstaging approaches in liver transplantation, aiming to broaden patient eligibility and improve outcomes.
Learning objectives:
- Evaluate the role and benefits of robotic and other advanced surgical techniques in hepatobiliary cancer resections.
- Summarise current updates on neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies in the context of surgical resection.
- Discuss novel approaches to increase liver donor availability, including living donation and expanded criteria donors.
- Explain the principles and clinical applications of downstaging and extended criteria in liver transplantation for cancer patients.
Session 6: State-of-the-Art: Recent and ongoing pivotal phase III RCTs in HCC
This presentation provides an overview of recent and ongoing pivotal Phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It will highlight key trial designs, therapeutic strategies under investigation—including immunotherapies, targeted agents, and combination approaches—and discuss their potential to shape future standards of care and implications for clinical practice.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the design and objectives of recent and ongoing Phase III RCTs in HCC.
- Analyse the potential impact of new trial results on current treatment algorithms for HCC.
- Integrate knowledge of current trial developments into evidence-based management of HCC.
Session 7: Oral presentations
This session features a series of oral presentations covering recent advances, clinical research, and emerging topics in the field of primary liver cancers. It offers attendees the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge data, innovative methodologies, and diverse expert perspectives. The session is designed to promote knowledge exchange, critical appraisal, and discussion around new findings.
Learning objectives:
- Summarise key findings on relevant clinical or research topics.
- Critically evaluate the methodologies and implications of presented studies.
- Discuss emerging trends and novel concepts introduced during the presentations.
Session 8: Loco-regional therapies: from ablation, TACE, TARE to combinations
This session focuses on current standards and evolving strategies in locoregional therapies for liver cancer, including local ablation, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and transarterial radioembolization (TARE). Experts will present evidence-based approaches and engage in structured debates on the use of TACE in combination with immunotherapy, and the appropriateness of TARE in patients with portal vein invasion. The session aims to guide clinical decision-making by weighing benefits, risks, and patient selection criteria.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the current standard of care for local ablation, TACE, and TARE in the treatment of liver cancer.
- Evaluate the clinical rationale and potential benefits of combining TACE with immunotherapy.
- Discuss the limitations and challenges associated with combining locoregional therapies and systemic treatments.
- Assess the appropriateness of TARE in patients with portal vein invasion through a balanced examination of pros and cons.
Session 9: Hot topics
This session delves into current controversies in liver cancer management. It features a balanced debate on the merits of the BCLC staging system versus therapeutic hierarchy, explores the emerging role of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and discusses the use of progression-free survival (PFS) as a primary endpoint in clinical trials for intermediate and advanced HCC. Additionally, the session covers systemic therapy considerations for combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma and highlights the importance of integrating palliative care in comprehensive liver cancer treatment.
Learning Objectives:
- Compare and contrast the BCLC staging system and therapeutic hierarchy frameworks in liver cancer management.
- Evaluate the clinical applications and benefits of SBRT in treating HCC.
- Discuss the relevance of progression-free survival (PFS) as a primary endpoint in HCC clinical trials.
- Summarise current systemic therapy options for combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma.
- Recognise the role and timing of palliative care in the management of liver cancer patients.
Session 10: Systemic therapies in HCC
This session covers the latest advancements and challenges in systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. It includes guidance on selecting first-line immunotherapies, strategies for sequential treatment after initial systemic therapy, and a balanced discussion on the use of systemic therapies in patients with compromised liver function (Child-Pugh B). Additionally, it addresses methodological considerations such as non-proportional hazards in assessing clinical benefit in advanced HCC trials, providing critical insights into interpreting trial outcomes.
Learning objectives:
- Identify criteria for selecting appropriate first-line immunotherapy treatments for HCC.
- Outline sequential treatment options following first-line systemic therapy in HCC patients.
- Discuss the benefits and limitations of systemic therapies in patients with Child-Pugh B liver function.
- Understand the concept of non-proportional hazards and its impact on evaluating clinical trial results in advanced HCC.
Session 11: Future prospects
The last session of the meeting will explore the evolving landscape of primary liver cancer management with a focus on future directions. Topics include the promise of biomarker-driven therapies for personalized treatment, incorporating the patient’s perspective into HCC care, and the latest emerging therapies showing potential to improve outcomes. Additionally, the session addresses the critical issue of healthcare inequities in liver cancer across Europe and strategies to promote equitable access to diagnosis and treatment.
Learning objectives:
- Explain the role and potential of biomarker-driven therapies in advancing personalized treatment for liver cancer.
- Recognise the importance of incorporating the patient’s perspective into management decisions for HCC.
- Identify emerging therapeutic approaches currently under investigation for liver cancer.
- Discuss the challenges of healthcare inequities in primary liver cancer across Europe and potential solutions to address them.