Selected summary for the 2015 Asia–Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE)

Abstract

Liver cancer is now ranked second in terms of cancer-related mortality worldwide; with limited treatment options for patients at advanced stages it remains a growing health problem. All Phase III clinical trials testing molecular therapies after sorafenib have so far failed, and there is still not a validated oncogene addiction loop. Despite the present huge challenges, advancements in the recent years have been remarkable. The Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert Meeting (APPLE) was designed to promote scientific exchanges of international and regional experts in the study and management of liver cancer. Over the years it has consolidated as a major resource to provide a thorough update to clinicians and researchers located in the Asia-Pacific region in different aspects of liver cancer. Attendance at these meetings is exceptional, with an average of 1000 attendees at each conference. As predicted, the 2015 edition provided an outstanding overview of the latest developments in the clinical management and molecular pathogenesis of the disease.