Houston Methodist The Annual HMNCC GI Oncology Summit 2025

Houston Methodist GI Oncology Summit 2025 | Gastrointestinal Cancer | HCC | Cholangiocarcinoma | Pancreatic Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | Gastroesophageal Cancer | Transplant Oncology | Precision Medicine

Information

Houston Methodist The Annual HMNCC GI Oncology Summit 2025 is a multidisciplinary gastrointestinal oncology symposium focused on current and emerging strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancers of the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems.

Presented by the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, the program brings together experts in medical oncology, hepatology, transplant surgery, surgical oncology, gastroenterology, radiation oncology, and related disciplines to review advances across the GI cancer continuum.

The summit emphasizes rapidly evolving areas such as:

• Immunotherapy
• Molecular diagnostics
• Targeted therapies
• Precision medicine
• Transplant oncology
• Blood-based biomarkers
• Artificial intelligence
• Image-guided surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Advanced radiation therapy
• Multidisciplinary treatment planning

The 2025 program is organized around four major disease-focused sections:

• Hepatobiliary Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Course Details

• Course: The Annual HMNCC GI Oncology Summit
• Provider: Houston Methodist
• Center: Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center
• Date: December 5, 2025
• Time: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM CST
• Location: Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas
• Venue: John F. Bookout Auditorium
• Original Format: In-Person and Virtual
• Specialty: Gastrointestinal Oncology
• CME: Up to 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
• Nursing Credit: Up to 5.25 Nursing Contact Hours
• Language: English

Houston Methodist lists the event as a hybrid symposium held at 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, Texas.

Target Audience

This summit is designed for:

• Physician Scientists
• Medical Oncologists
• Surgical Oncologists
• Hepatologists
• Transplant Surgeons
• Gastroenterologists
• Colorectal Surgeons
• Radiation Oncologists
• Thoracic Surgeons
• Physician Assistants
• Advanced Practice Nurses
• Oncology Nurses
• Residents
• Fellows
• Medical Students
• Clinical Research Associates
• Allied Health Professionals

It is particularly relevant for:

• Medical Oncologists
• Surgical Oncologists
• Hepatologists
• Transplant Surgeons
• Gastroenterologists
• Colorectal Surgeons
• Radiation Oncologists
• Thoracic Surgeons

Program Overview

The 2025 HMNCC GI Oncology Summit provides a comprehensive review of the major malignancies involving the liver, biliary tract, pancreas, colon, rectum, esophagus, and stomach.

The program examines:

• Disease epidemiology
• Risk factors
• Prevention
• Screening
• Early detection
• Molecular biomarkers
• Tumor genomics
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Surgical treatment
• Transplant oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Patient selection
• Multidisciplinary care

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner should be able to:

• Describe the epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies for gastrointestinal cancers.
• Review the pathogenesis, surveillance modalities, and underuse of screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on blood-based biomarkers and management of pre-liver cancer diseases.
• Evaluate transplant-bridging approaches and the role of immunotherapy in both resectable and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as new developments in treating advanced cholangiocarcinoma.
• Assess updates on operative strategies for early-stage hepatobiliary cancers and transplant oncology for hilar and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
• Explain the latest advancements in molecular diagnostics, operative and perioperative approaches, and targeted therapies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, low-/intermediate-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, and colorectal cancers.
• Discuss advancements in multidisciplinary approaches for managing esophageal and gastric cancers, as well as the role of precision medicine in unresectable gastrointestinal malignancies.

Official Program Topics

Session 1A: Hepatobiliary Cancer

Global Liver Cancer Trends in 2025: Precision Epidemiology and Hepatoprotective Strategies

Pierre M. Gholam, MD, FAASLD, AGAF

This session reviews global trends in liver cancer with emphasis on:

• Disease burden
• Risk factors
• Hepatocellular carcinoma epidemiology
• Prevention
• Liver disease modification
• Population-level risk reduction

AI-Powered Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance: Innovations in Risk Stratification

Nicole Rich, MD, MS

This presentation examines the role of artificial intelligence in improving HCC surveillance.

Potential applications include:

• Risk prediction
• Imaging interpretation
• Surveillance prioritization
• Patient selection
• Early detection
• Personalized monitoring

Transforming Pre-Liver Cancer Management: Hepatologist-Led Precision Therapies

Joseph S. Galati, MD

This session focuses on managing chronic liver disease before malignant transformation.

Relevant areas include:

• Cirrhosis
• Chronic liver disease
• Prevention of progression
• Risk modification
• Surveillance
• Hepatologist-led intervention

Next-Generation HCC Screening: Liquid Biopsies and Hepatologist-Driven AI Models

Sudha Kodali, MD

The program highlights emerging strategies for HCC detection using:

• Blood-based biomarkers
• Liquid biopsy
• Molecular signatures
• Artificial intelligence
• Risk-stratified surveillance

These tools are being studied as complements to conventional HCC screening.

Precision Management of Cirrhosis-Associated HCC

Bandar Al-Judaibi, MBBS, MHM, FACP, FRCPC

This presentation addresses HCC arising in cirrhosis and the importance of integrating:

• Liver function
• Tumor burden
• Transplant candidacy
• Locoregional therapy
• Systemic therapy
• Multidisciplinary planning

The official agenda lists these presentations within the first hepatobiliary session.

Session 1B: Hepatobiliary Cancer

Next-Generation Transplant-Bridging Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Maen Abdelrahim, MD, PhD, PharmD

This session reviews strategies used to control HCC while patients are being evaluated for or awaiting liver transplantation.

Important themes include:

• Locoregional therapy
• Systemic therapy
• Downstaging
• Disease control
• Transplant eligibility
• Bridging to transplantation

Immunotherapy 2.0: Novel Combinations and Biomarkers for HCC in 2025

Sukeshi Patel Arora, MD

This presentation reviews evolving immunotherapy strategies in HCC.

Key areas include:

• Immune checkpoint inhibition
• Combination therapy
• Biomarkers
• Patient selection
• Treatment sequencing
• Emerging clinical evidence

Precision Medicine in Cholangiocarcinoma: Targeted Therapies and Immune Modulation

Milind Javle, MD

Cholangiocarcinoma is increasingly managed using molecular information.

The session examines:

• Genomic profiling
• Actionable alterations
• Targeted therapies
• Immunotherapy
• Precision treatment selection
• Treatment resistance

Robotic and Image-Guided Surgery for Early-Stage Hepatobiliary Cancers

Flavio G. Rocha, MD, FACS, FSSO

This session focuses on contemporary operative strategies for early hepatobiliary malignancies.

Important themes include:

• Robotic surgery
• Minimally invasive approaches
• Image-guided surgery
• Surgical planning
• Resection strategy
• Patient selection

Transplant Oncology for Cholangiocarcinoma: Genomic-Guided Strategies for 2025

Aiwu Ruth He, MD, PhD

This presentation explores the evolving role of transplantation in selected cholangiocarcinoma patients.

Relevant areas include:

• Hilar cholangiocarcinoma
• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
• Genomic selection
• Transplant eligibility
• Multimodal therapy
• Recurrence risk

The official agenda confirms these hepatobiliary oncology sessions and speakers.

Session 2: Pancreatic Cancer

Targeted Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer: Biomarker-Driven Advances for 2025

Mohammed Alghamdi, MD, MBA

This session reviews molecularly targeted approaches in pancreatic cancer.

Important concepts include:

• Genomic testing
• Biomarker selection
• Targeted therapy
• Precision oncology
• Treatment resistance
• Patient selection

AI-Enabled Early Detection and Risk Stratification for Pancreatic Cancer

Ashish Saharia, MD, FACS

Early pancreatic cancer detection remains one of the greatest challenges in GI oncology.

This session explores applications of AI in:

• Risk prediction
• Imaging
• Early detection
• Patient stratification
• Screening high-risk groups
• Clinical decision support

The pancreatic cancer session was chaired by Bandar Al-Judaibi, MBBS, MHM, FACP, FRCPC.

Patient Perspective

Jennifer Hauler, DO, MBA
Kami Walker, JD, BSN
Moderator: Maen Abdelrahim, MD, PhD, PharmD

The summit also includes the patient perspective, reinforcing the importance of:

• Patient-centered oncology
• Communication
• Shared decision-making
• Survivorship
• Treatment burden
• Multidisciplinary support

Session 3: Colorectal Cancer

Precision Radiation Oncology for Colorectal Cancer: Adaptive Therapies in 2025

Kevin Tran, MD

This session reviews the evolving role of precision radiation in colorectal malignancies.

Topics include:

• Adaptive radiation therapy
• Treatment planning
• Tumor response
• Dose optimization
• Multidisciplinary integration

Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: 2025 Innovations

Joshua C. Coursey, MD

This presentation addresses innovations in minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery.

Potential areas include:

• Laparoscopic surgery
• Robotic surgery
• Enhanced recovery
• Patient selection
• Operative planning
• Reduced-access techniques

Immunotherapy Landscape in Colorectal Cancer: What’s New and What’s Next?

Fahad Ibnshamsah, MD

This session reviews current and emerging immunotherapy strategies in colorectal cancer.

Genomic-Driven Precision Oncology in Colorectal Cancer: 2025 Therapeutic Frontiers

Arvind N. Dasari, MD, MS

The program examines how molecular profiling can guide treatment decisions in colorectal cancer.

Topics include:

• Tumor genomics
• Actionable mutations
• Targeted treatment
• Resistance
• Precision oncology

Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer Beyond MSI-H in 2025

Anthony B. El-Khoueiry, MD

This session explores potential immunotherapy approaches beyond traditional MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancer populations.

Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma: Advances in Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies, Are We There Yet?

John Paul Y.C. Shen, MD

This presentation addresses an uncommon but clinically important GI malignancy.

Topics include:

• Diagnosis
• Pathology
• Systemic therapy
• Surgical management
• Disease classification
• Research gaps

The official colorectal session includes all six of these presentations.

Session 4: Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Multidisciplinary Advances in Resectable Gastroesophageal Cancers: Precision Approaches for 2025

Anwaar Saeed, MD

This session reviews contemporary care for potentially resectable gastroesophageal malignancies.

The multidisciplinary approach may incorporate:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Biomarkers
• Staging
• Perioperative therapy
• Multidisciplinary tumor boards

Immunotherapy and Biomarker Innovations for Unresectable Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Moh’d Khushman, MD

This presentation addresses:

• Immunotherapy
• Biomarkers
• Advanced disease
• Treatment selection
• Combination therapy
• Resistance

Precision Medicine in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Novel Targets and Therapies for 2025

Monisha Singh, MD

This session reviews molecularly targeted approaches and emerging therapies in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

The official esophageal and gastric cancer session was chaired by Preethi Prasad, MD.

Major Topics Covered

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

HCC is a major focus of the summit.

The program integrates:

• Epidemiology
• Screening
• AI
• Liquid biopsy
• Cirrhosis
• Immunotherapy
• Transplant bridging
• Precision medicine
• Transplant oncology

Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma sessions focus on:

• Molecular diagnostics
• Targeted therapy
• Immune modulation
• Robotic surgery
• Transplant oncology
• Genomic-guided treatment

Pancreatic Cancer

The program reviews:

• Biomarker-driven therapy
• AI-enabled early detection
• Risk stratification
• Surgical perspectives
• Precision oncology

Colorectal Cancer

Major themes include:

• Radiation oncology
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Immunotherapy
• Genomics
• Precision medicine
• Appendiceal cancer

Gastroesophageal Cancer

The summit emphasizes:

• Resectable disease
• Unresectable disease
• Immunotherapy
• Biomarkers
• Precision medicine
• Multidisciplinary management

Liquid Biopsy

Blood-based biomarkers are increasingly relevant for:

• Early detection
• Surveillance
• Risk stratification
• Molecular residual disease
• Treatment monitoring

Artificial Intelligence

AI is specifically incorporated into:

• HCC surveillance
• Liver cancer risk stratification
• Pancreatic cancer detection
• Clinical decision support

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is addressed across several GI malignancies, including:

• HCC
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Colorectal cancer
• Gastroesophageal cancer

Precision Medicine

Precision oncology is a major unifying theme throughout the symposium.

Treatment increasingly depends on:

• Histology
• Genomics
• Molecular biomarkers
• Immune profile
• Disease stage
• Prior therapy
• Organ function

Transplant Oncology

The summit specifically addresses transplant oncology for:

• HCC
• Hilar cholangiocarcinoma
• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive and robotic approaches are included in both hepatobiliary and colorectal cancer sessions.

Radiation Oncology

Precision radiation approaches are included as part of multidisciplinary colorectal cancer care.

Multidisciplinary GI Oncology Care

Medical Oncology

Provides systemic therapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment, and precision oncology.

Surgical Oncology

Provides resection strategies and minimally invasive oncologic surgery.

Hepatology

Manages chronic liver disease, surveillance, cirrhosis, and HCC risk.

Transplant Surgery

Supports transplant-based treatment strategies in selected hepatobiliary malignancies.

Gastroenterology

Contributes to diagnosis, surveillance, endoscopy, and multidisciplinary management.

Colorectal Surgery

Provides operative management of colon, rectal, and selected appendiceal malignancies.

Radiation Oncology

Supports localized and adaptive treatment strategies.

Thoracic Surgery

May contribute to operative care of selected esophageal and gastroesophageal junction malignancies.

Course Leadership

Chair

Maen Abdelrahim, MD, PhD, PharmD

Course Director

Jian Guan, MD

Director, Scientific Planning Committee

Abdullah Esmail, MD

Houston Methodist lists these individuals as the official leadership for the 2025 symposium.

Selected Faculty

The official 2025 faculty included:

• Pierre M. Gholam, MD, FAASLD, AGAF
• Nicole Rich, MD, MS
• Joseph S. Galati, MD
• Sudha Kodali, MD
• Bandar Al-Judaibi, MBBS, MHM, FACP, FRCPC
• Maen Abdelrahim, MD, PhD, PharmD
• Sukeshi Patel Arora, MD
• Milind Javle, MD
• Flavio G. Rocha, MD, FACS, FSSO
• Aiwu Ruth He, MD, PhD
• Mohammed Alghamdi, MD, MBA
• Ashish Saharia, MD, FACS
• Kevin Tran, MD
• Joshua C. Coursey, MD
• Fahad Ibnshamsah, MD
• Arvind N. Dasari, MD, MS
• Anthony B. El-Khoueiry, MD
• John Paul Y.C. Shen, MD
• Anwaar Saeed, MD
• Moh’d Khushman, MD
• Monisha Singh, MD

Why This Summit Is Relevant

GI oncology is increasingly driven by integration of:

• Molecular diagnostics
• Immunotherapy
• Transplant oncology
• Advanced surgery
• Radiation oncology
• AI
• Biomarkers
• Precision medicine

The Houston Methodist Annual HMNCC GI Oncology Summit 2025 provides a multidisciplinary update spanning the major gastrointestinal malignancies and emphasizes how emerging technology and personalized treatment are changing both early-stage and advanced cancer management.

CME Information

Houston Methodist designates the original live activity for a maximum of:

• 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
• 5.25 Nursing Contact Hours

Credit applies only to eligible participation in the original accredited Houston Methodist activity and should not be assumed to accompany independently distributed recordings or files.

Short Description

Houston Methodist The Annual HMNCC GI Oncology Summit 2025 provides a multidisciplinary update on hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, and gastroesophageal malignancies, with emphasis on immunotherapy, transplant oncology, liquid biopsy, molecular diagnostics, minimally invasive surgery, radiation oncology, AI, and precision medicine.

Topics

• Genomic-Driven Precision Oncology in Colorectal Cancer – 2025 Therapeutic Frontiers

• Immunotherapy for MSS/pMMR Colorectal Cancer in 2025

• Advances in Resectable Gastroesophageal Cancers – Precision Approaches for 2025

• Immunotherapy and Biomarker Innovations for Unresectable Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

• Novel Targets and Future Therapies in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

• Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma – Advances in Diagnosis and Therapeutic Strategies

• AI-Enabled Early Detection and Risk Stratification for Pancreatic Cancer

• Transplant Oncology for Cholangiocarcinoma – Genomic-Guided Strategies for 2025

• Immunotherapy Landscape for MSI-H/dMMR Colorectal Cancer – What’s New and What’s Next

• Precision Oncology and Immunotherapy in Cholangiocarcinoma

• Overview of Key TNT Rectal Cancer Trials and Considerations for Radiation Treatment

• Targeted Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer – Biomarker-Driven Advances

• Robotic Surgery for Early Stage Hepatobiliary Cancer

• Precision Management of Cirrhosis-Associated HCC – Novel Hepatologist Strategies for 2025

• Transforming Pre-Liver Cancer Management – Strategies for Reducing or Eliminating Liver Cancer

• Immunotherapy 2.0 – Novel Combinations and Biomarkers for HCC in 2025

• Next Generation HCC Screening – Liquid Biopsies and Hepatologist-Driven AI Models

• Hepatocellular Carcinoma – Have We Seen the Worst of It