Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to join us for the Asia-Pacific Primary Liver Cancer Expert (APPLE) Conference 2025, which will be held from July 11th to 13th at the Portopia Hotel in Kobe, Japan. This year marks the first time in six years that the APPLE Conference will return to Japan. APPLE 2025 will take place following the 61st Annual Meeting of Japan Liver Cancer Association.

The theme for APPLE 2025 is "A New Era in Multidisciplinary Treatment for Liver Cancer." A number of new molecular-targeted agents and combined immunotherapies are now available to treat liver cancer, leading to significantly improved prognoses. Additionally, new technologies, such as particle therapy and robot-assisted surgery, have become available for the local treatment of liver cancer. The emergence of these drugs and treatment modalities has dramatically transformed the landscape of multidisciplinary liver cancer treatment. To reflect these advancements, we have designed a comprehensive program that will cover the latest developments in liver cancer research. We expect that it will bring together experts from various fields to share their knowledge and expertise. Our goal is to foster collaboration and innovation, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Kobe, our host city, is a vibrant and beautiful port city known for its scenic harbor views, exquisite cuisine, and warm hospitality. From the historic Kitano district to the stunning views from Mount Rokko, Kobe offers a rich cultural experience that we hope you will enjoy. We also encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Osaka Expo 2025, which will be taking place in the city adjacent to Kobe. This global event offers a unique chance to experience cutting-edge technology and culture from around the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kobe for APPLE 2025 and are excited about the meaningful discussions and collaborations that will occur. Together, let us advance the field of liver cancer and make a lasting impact on our patients’ lives.

Sincerely,

Takumi Fukumoto

Professor, Department of Surgery, Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan