Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Researchers in this track explore the intricate relationship between the gut microbiota and digestive health. Studies investigate how alterations in the gut microbiome contribute to gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and colorectal cancer, and explore microbiota-targeted interventions for disease management.

This track delves into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of NAFLD and NASH, which represent a growing public health concern globally. Researchers investigate risk factors, disease progression, novel diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with NAFLD/NASH.

In this track, researchers focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the development and progression of HCC. Studies explore novel biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification, and prognostication, and investigate innovative therapeutic approaches including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and locoregional treatments for HCC.

This track highlights the latest advancements in endoscopic imaging, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic interventions for gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers explore novel endoscopic modalities, such as confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), as well as minimally invasive procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as colorectal polyps, Barrett's esophagus, and pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Researchers in this track investigate the bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and liver function. Studies explore the role of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy, and alcoholic liver disease, and assess microbiome-targeted interventions including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for improving liver health.

This track focuses on recent advancements in the treatment of IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Researchers evaluate the efficacy and safety of biologic agents, small molecule inhibitors, and immunomodulatory therapies, as well as the role of combination therapy, treat-to-target strategies, and personalized treatment approaches in optimizing disease control and long-term outcomes for patients with IBD.

In this track, researchers explore innovations in liver transplantation and regenerative medicine aimed at addressing the growing demand for donor organs and improving outcomes for patients with end-stage liver disease. Studies investigate novel organ preservation techniques, machine perfusion technologies, and regenerative therapies including cell-based therapies and tissue engineering approaches for liver regeneration.

This track focuses on recent advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Researchers evaluate the efficacy of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), novel therapeutic combinations, and immunomodulatory approaches for achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) and reducing the burden of liver-related morbidity and mortality associated with chronic hepatitis B and C infections.

Researchers in this track investigate the pathophysiology and management of gastrointestinal motility disorders such as gastroparesis, dysphagia, and esophageal dysmotility. Studies explore novel diagnostic modalities, pharmacological agents, and neuromodulatory therapies for improving symptoms and quality of life in patients with motility disorders.

This track focuses on the discovery, validation, and clinical utility of biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of gastrointestinal diseases. Researchers investigate the potential of serum biomarkers, imaging biomarkers, and molecular biomarkers for improving disease detection, risk stratification, and treatment response assessment in conditions such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver fibrosis.

In this track, researchers explore the underlying pathophysiology and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and functional abdominal pain. Studies investigate the role of visceral hypersensitivity, gut-brain axis dysfunction, and psychosocial factors in the development and persistence of FGIDs, and evaluate evidence-based treatment strategies including dietary modifications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and gut-directed hypnotherapy for symptom management.

Researchers in this track examine the impact of dietary factors, nutritional interventions, and lifestyle modifications on gastrointestinal health and disease. Studies investigate the role of diet in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer, and explore nutritional strategies for optimizing digestive health, managing symptoms, and preventing disease recurrence.

This track focuses on the multidisciplinary management of gastrointestinal malignancies, including colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Researchers evaluate the efficacy of multimodal treatment approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, as well as the role of precision medicine, molecular profiling, and liquid biopsy technologies in guiding personalized treatment decisions and improving survival outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

In this track, researchers investigate the pathogenesis, natural history, and complications of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Studies explore non-invasive methods for assessing liver fibrosis severity, including transient elastography, magnetic resonance elastography, and serum biomarkers, and evaluate antifibrotic therapies targeting key signaling pathways involved in fibrogenesis, such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway.

Researchers in this track focus on the unique challenges and considerations in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders in children. Studies investigate the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment outcomes of pediatric conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and explore age-appropriate diagnostic modalities, pharmacological agents, and dietary interventions for optimizing gastrointestinal health in pediatric patients.

This track explores the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery on obesity-related comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers investigate the mechanisms underlying weight loss, glycemic control, and metabolic improvement following bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding, and evaluate long-term outcomes and complications associated with metabolic surgery.

In this track, researchers assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening modalities, including colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), and stool DNA testing. Studies investigate strategies for improving screening uptake, adherence, and quality, and evaluate surveillance protocols for individuals at increased risk of colorectal cancer due to family history, genetic predisposition, or prior adenomatous polyps.

Researchers in this track explore the applications of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and digital health technologies in gastroenterology and hepatology. Studies investigate the development of AI algorithms for disease prediction, diagnostic imaging interpretation, and treatment decision support, as well as the integration of digital health tools, mobile applications, and telemedicine platforms for remote monitoring, patient engagement, and health data analytics.

This track focuses on initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality, safety, and patient-centeredness of gastroenterology and hepatology services. Researchers investigate quality improvement frameworks, clinical practice guidelines, and performance metrics for optimizing care delivery, reducing healthcare disparities, and improving patient outcomes across the continuum of care, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and end-of-life care.