I would like to congratulate and thank the members of the Korean Liver Cancer Association (KLCA) for the publication of “Local ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: 2024 expert consensus-based practical recommendations of the Korean Liver Cancer Association” in this issue of Journal of Liver Cancer. This new expert consensus on local ablation treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the result of a close collaboration between the KLCA and the Korean Society of Image-Guided Tumor Ablation (KSITA). It is expected to address practical issues in the field, serve as a basis for academic achievements, and elevate our global standing.
This successful outcome was made possible through the dedication of numerous individuals, including Dr. Dong-Ho Lee, the research director of KLCA, and the members of the research committee. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in several consensus meetings for this project.
Furthermore, it was a valuable experience to witness the collaboration between KSITA, under the leadership of Dr. Dong-Jin Jeong, and KLCA, under the leadership of Dr. Jong-Young Choi. The cooperation between these two societies will undoubtedly enhance our collective impact.
Building on this momentum, I am committed to ensuring that the next expert consensus on the surgical treatment of HCC is developed with clarity and rationality. Once again, I would like to extend my gratitude to all members who have passionately supported this endeavor despite the challenges.