2025 Hepatoblastoma Community Conference
- Sarah Lansing
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 28
At the end of June 2025, the Hepatoblastoma Resource Network and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital hosted the 5th International Pediatric Liver Tumor Research Meeting in San Francisco, CA. This conference brought together top medical providers and researchers from around the world, and culminated in a Patient and Family Advocacy Day, which connected over 50 family members with personal ties to pediatric liver cancer from Canada, Mexico, and all across the United States.
The first two days of the conference focused on international research developments, updates on clinical trials and pilot studies, treatment resistance, and advancements in understanding the biology and pathology of hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular neoplasms, and pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma. Speakers included experts in pediatric oncology, surgery and interventional radiology, epidemiology, immunology, pathophysiology, audiology, psychology, gastroenterology, and liver transplantation. Sessions also addressed long-term survivorship, from hearing loss caused by chemotherapy, to psychosocial and mental health effects.
This was also the first year that we invited patients to attend the conference. Families included patients currently in treatment, survivors, and their siblings, and it was a huge success! Survivors reconnected with providers who helped to save their lives and met other survivors.
A major highlight was the first ever Survivor and Sibling Panel held during the Advocacy Day. Both Hepatoblastoma survivors (aged 6 to 19) and their siblings, offered insight into the patient experience and aspects of life after cancer treatment. The kids also participated in an art project led by the Kids & Art Foundation, a Bay Area nonprofit that creates therapeutic art experiences for pediatric cancer patients and their siblings, families, and support teams. Learn more about their work here: https://kidsandart.org/
Parents also spoke about the profound effects and benefits of an event like this. Below are some testimonials from attendees that offer a powerful glimpse into the real impact of our conference. These insights highlight not just the value of the content, but the vibrant community that makes this event truly unforgettable.
“This is the first time my family has attended something like this, and it was incredibly powerful. Not only to be in community with other families who have walked similar paths, but also to receive information directly from leading experts in fields that specifically pertain to our survivor. Thank you for such a valuable experience!”
-Parent Conference Attendee
“The Liver Tumor conference provided a unique opportunity to hear the latest in liver tumor research and survivorship issues, to connect with parents who have walked a similar path, and for my survivor to connect with other survivors as "normal kids" with a shared experience. I highly recommend attendance to survivor parents and their kids.”
-Parent Conference Attendee
Families and providers were invited to attend social events in San Francisco throughout the conference. These gatherings gave families much-needed opportunities to connect, celebrate milestones, and build supportive relationships in a relaxed and joyful environment. They also created safe spaces where survivors could share their experiences, siblings bonded with peers who understand, and parents found comfort in a community that truly “gets it”. Beyond fun and laughter, these events fostered healing, resilience, and lasting friendships that continue long after families flew home. One such event was attending a San Francisco Giants Baseball Game, arranged in conjunction with the Giants, BP28, UCSF Foundation, and Addie’s Foundation for Research.
Along with the Giants game, families also were invited to a dinner social hosted by Eureka Therapeutics, a Bay Area based clinical-stage biotherapeutics company and a proud partner of Hepatoblastoma Resource Network. Kids took part in a hands-on science experiment where they donned PPE, followed lab protocols, and extracted DNA from strawberries. Then they utilized their sourced material to create unique souvenirs to take home!
From strawberry science to panel presentations to worldwide medical innovations, this year’s Pediatric Liver Tumor Research Meeting was truly one for the books. Reunions were had, networks were built, and lasting memories were made—anchored by the energy of the city by the bay. The event brought together dedicated healthcare professionals, researchers, survivors, and advocates to share the latest advancements, innovative treatments, and collaborative strategies in the fight against childhood cancer. The outcomes of the event highlighted significant progress in areas such as precision medicine, survivorship care, and psychosocial support, while also emphasizing the critical need for continued research and cross-disciplinary partnerships. As the conference drew to a close, attendees left inspired, better equipped, and united in their commitment to improving outcomes and quality of life for every child affected by hepatoblastoma.
Inspired to join us next time? The next International Pediatric Liver Tumor Research Meeting is slated for Fall of 2027 in Texas. We hope to see you there! In the meantime, stay engaged with HRN by following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, subscribing to our newsletter and by visiting hepatoblastoma.org.
Comments