Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs—including both GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP] receptor agonists—have become ubiquitous in the public arena. These drugs represent some of the most promising treatment options for persons with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) because they treat the underlying comorbidities (obesity and diabetes) as well as MASH. Additionally, they have proven cardiovascular benefits. Persons with MASH want reliable information on whether they are eligible to be treated with GLP-1 drugs; what to expect in terms of response; how to monitor response; and how to manage potential side effects.  

Key topics addressed by speakers include:

• Why GLP-1 drugs are showing such promise in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• Mechanism of liver benefit 
• Expected treatment response and variability
• Tolerability and side effect management
• Eligibility, nonresponse, and discontinuation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools are increasingly marketed for clinical use. Yet many clinicians, researchers, and health system leaders lack structured approaches to critically evaluate these models, understand their real-world implications, and plan for responsible scale. Presented as a partnership between the Clinical Informatics and Digital Health Special Interest Group and the Clinical Research Committee, this session equips learners with practical frameworks to assess AI/ML models; examines the realities of implementation in clinical environments; and explores future-facing strategies for scaling AI while maintaining safety, equity, and trust through the presentation and discussion of real-world examples from clinical research applying AI and ML methodologies.The session concludes with an interactive panel discussion on how to translate AI/ML use from theory into clinical research and practice. 

Session organizers aim to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to describe appropriate use cases of AI/ML, to understand the implications of employing these approaches, and to think critically about the performance of different AI/ML algorithms in clinical research through a generalized assessment framework.

Accurate liver diagnosis demands confident imaging interpretation, selective biopsy use, and smart application of specialized tests. This case-based session delivers practical skills in 3 areas: (1) radiology for nonradiologists; (2) biopsy in the era of noninvasive tests; and (3) uncommon diagnostics. Attendees gain actionable checklists, algorithms, and strategies for immediate clinical application. Designed for hepatology clinicians and multidisciplinary teams, this session emphasizes real-world decision-making and interactive questions and answers.

This cutting-edge session focuses on current and upcoming treatments for hepatitis B and hepatitis D. Presenters also discuss important updates from recent viral hepatitis guidelines across the world regarding the management of hepatitis B, and provide insight into global pediatric issues related to hepatitis B and hepatitis D.  

Metabolic syndrome and obesity are increasingly prevalent among persons with liver disease, particularly in those with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). As hepatologists incorporate powerful incretin therapies into their treatment arsenal, understanding their optimal use in diverse and special populations becomes essential—and is the focus of this session.

Presenters discuss emerging evidence that highlights the importance of tailoring these therapies to unique patient groups including: (1) liver transplant candidates, recipients, and donors; (2) women with reproductive considerations; (3) Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) populations; and (4) nonobese individuals with metabolic syndrome. Speakers explore the latest insights and practical approaches for applying incretin therapies in these distinct populations, aiming to guide clinicians in personalized and effective management strategies.
 

Presenters highlight recent advances in the management of liver diseases commonly encountered in general gastroenterology and community-based inpatient practices. Using a case-based approach, speakers address:

• Variceal hemorrhage management. Speakers review advanced management of variceal hemorrhage, going beyond the basics of resuscitation and variceal band ligation. Strategies reviewed include sclerotherapy, balloon tamponade, placement of esophageal stents, and related triage strategies that may be performed prior to definitive treatment by interventional radiology or advanced endoscopy at a tertiary care or transplant center. Treatment of rectal varices and rectal variceal hemorrhage are also discussed.
• Nonvariceal portal hypertensive bleeding. Not all bleeding in cirrhosis is caused by varices; chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is a common and challenging problem in patients with cirrhosis. Presenters highlight noninvasive and endoscopic management strategies for portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) in the setting of cirrhosis.
• Thrombosis and bleeding in cirrhosis. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common and challenging complication of cirrhosis. Presenters demystify PVT, reviewing terminology, the role of anticoagulation, and when to refer to interventional radiology. Speakers also more generally review the balance of coagulation and hemostasis in cirrhosis, and considerations for anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents for indications other than PVT.

The definition and research framework for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) remain fragmented across different regions of the world. The primary objective is to bring together global experts, field leaders, and researchers to work collaboratively toward a unified understanding of ACLF. ACLF should be recognized as a single disease entity—similar to acute liver failure (ALF) or other well-defined disease etiologies—with clearly established diagnostic criteria, standardized therapeutic algorithms, and uniform patient management pathways. Such harmonization will facilitate collaborative research, attract industry support, enable competitive research funding, and, most importantly, represent a critical step toward improving patient survival and outcomes in this high-mortality condition. Key topics addressed in this session include:

• Gut failure in ACLF and critically-ill patients with cirrhosis
• Immune failure in ACLF and advanced cirrhosis
• Nontransplant therapeutic strategies in ACLF
• Transplant decision-making in ACLF
• Biomarkers/models for prediction and prognostication in ACLF

This infomative symposium examines the care of patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) from an equity and inclusion perspective. Key topics include: equity in the transplant candidate selection process; socioeconomic factors that limit access to care among those with alcohol use disorder (AUD); and reducing the stigma associated with ALD and AUD. 

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a leading driver of fibrosis progression and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with implications that extend beyond the liver. This joint session traces the clinical continuum from MASLD/metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) to liver cancer, highlighting how metabolic inflammation, fibrosis, and comorbidity shape cancer risk, prevention, and treatment.
 
The first part of the session focuses on MASLD/MASH as a systemic, pro-oncogenic condition. Topics include: (1) epidemiologic links between MASLD and hepatic and extrahepatic malignancies; (2) inflammation as a clinical framework connecting metabolic dysfunction, fibrosis progression, and cancer risk; (3) fibrosis as the key inflection point for risk stratification using noninvasive tools; and (4) the impact of contemporary MASH therapies on inflammation, fibrosis dynamics, and long-term oncologic outcomes.
 
The second part of the session follows the MASLD/MASH fibrosis to cancer continuum across liver cancer. Topics include: (1) mechanistic insights into how fibroinflammatory signaling and stromal remodeling enable tumor initiation and immune evasion; (2) risk-stratified HCC surveillance that moves beyond cirrhosis only paradigms, integrating fibrosis assessment with practical pathways when ultrasound visualization is inadequate; (3) cancer prevention and interception strategies in advanced fibrosis, including chemopreventive signals and pragmatic trial designs; and (4) immuno-oncology–era treatment of MASLD/MASH–associated HCC, emphasizing how fibrosis burden and metabolic comorbidity influence selection and sequencing of systemic and locoregional therapies.

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a leading driver of fibrosis progression and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with implications that extend beyond the liver. This joint session traces the clinical continuum from MASLD/metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) to liver cancer, highlighting how metabolic inflammation, fibrosis, and comorbidity shape cancer risk, prevention, and treatment.

The first part of the session focuses on MASLD/MASH as a systemic, pro-oncogenic condition. Topics include: (1) epidemiologic links between MASLD and hepatic and extrahepatic malignancies; (2) inflammation as a clinical framework connecting metabolic dysfunction, fibrosis progression, and cancer risk; (3) fibrosis as the key inflection point for risk stratification using noninvasive tools; and (4) the impact of contemporary MASH therapies on inflammation, fibrosis dynamics, and long-term oncologic outcomes.

The second part of the session follows the MASLD/MASH fibrosis to cancer continuum across liver cancer. Topics include: (1) mechanistic insights into how fibroinflammatory signaling and stromal remodeling enable tumor initiation and immune evasion; (2) risk-stratified HCC surveillance that moves beyond cirrhosis only paradigms, integrating fibrosis assessment with practical pathways when ultrasound visualization is inadequate; (3) cancer prevention and interception strategies in advanced fibrosis, including chemopreventive signals and pragmatic trial designs; and (4) immuno-oncology–era treatment of MASLD/MASH–associated HCC, emphasizing how fibrosis burden and metabolic comorbidity influence selection and sequencing of systemic and locoregional therapies.