Multidisciplinary Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
(CPD Accredited)

Date: 30th October 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EAT

Moderator:
Dr. Wycliffe Kaisha
Consultant Gastrointestinal & Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Surgeon, Hercules Healthcare

Speakers:

1. Dr. Gladwell Kiarie
   Medical Oncologist, The Nairobi Hospital
   Topic: The Medical Oncologists’ Role in HCC: Emerging Trends
2. Dr. Eric Murunga
   Consultant Physician, Gastroenterologist; Chairman, Gastroenterology Society of Kenya
   Topic: Management of Hepatitis B in Low-Resource Settings
3. Dr. Samuel Nguku
   Consultant, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
   Topic: Imaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Organized by:
Kenya Society of Haematology & Oncology (KESHO)

Partner:
Beacon Medicare Limited
(Global Marketing Partner of BEACON Pharmaceuticals Limited)

Summary:

The Chronic Liver Disease–Hepatocellular Carcinoma Continuum: Practical Clinical Updates

Presentations by Dr Gladwell Kiarie and Dr Eric Murunga

Two complementary presentations examined the clinical continuum linking chronic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a focus on pragmatic, evidence-based approaches applicable to resource-limited settings.

Dr Gladwell Kiarie reviewed the medical management of hepatocellular carcinoma, emphasizing the importance of stage-guided, individualized care. Using established staging frameworks, she highlighted how tumor burden, liver function and patient performance status collectively inform treatment selection. The discussion underscored the evolving role of systemic therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted agents, alongside locoregional modalities such as trans arterial therapies and radiotherapy. The need for multidisciplinary decision-making, early referral and appropriate patient selection was reinforced as critical to improving outcomes in HCC.

Dr Eric Murunga addressed the management of chronic Hepatitis B within real-world, resource-constrained contexts. He outlined practical diagnostic pathways, treatment eligibility criteria and monitoring strategies aligned with contemporary guidelines. Emphasis was placed on simplified fibrosis assessment tools, long-term antiviral therapy and structured follow-up. Preventive strategies including screening, vaccination of contacts and hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance were highlighted as essential interventions to reduce progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Together, the presentations reinforced the concept that HCC prevention and outcomes are intrinsically linked to effective upstream management of chronic liver disease, particularly viral hepatitis.

Key takeaway: Strengthening early identification and treatment of chronic Hepatitis B, alongside structured surveillance and stage-appropriate management of hepatocellular carcinoma, is central to reducing advanced liver cancer and improving survival in resource-limited settings.