ELITA Summit 2024, organized by the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT), took place in Madrid, Spain, on 18–20 April 2024. The event featured a dedicated ELITA-EF CLIF Monothematic Conference focused on ACLF, alcohol, and liver transplantation. 

The conference brought together leading experts in the field to share the latest scientific evidence and discuss the future of liver transplantation for patients with ACLF and those with severe alcohol-related hepatitis. The CHANCE study, which evaluates current referral practices and survival benefits of liver transplantation for patients with severe ACLF, took center stage during the event.

The study addresses several critical questions, such as the best organ allocation system for this specific population, objective limits to define futility of liver transplantation, and the ideal timing and donor organ characteristics to ensure acceptable post-transplant outcomes.

In his presentation, Jalan shared interim results from 823 patients, approximately 80% of the overall study population, from 62 liver transplant centers across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America, included in the study between July 2021 and October 2023.

Data was segmented by study group and geographical distribution for patients on the waiting list and within three months post-liver transplantation, showing strong evidence of the survival benefits of liver transplantation for patients with severe ACLF. He concluded that current allocation criteria are inadequate for patients with ACLF grades 2 and 3, highlighting the need for revised guidelines. Data on long-term post-liver transplantation survival rates and their impact on quality of life and resource utilization were also discussed.

“We are excited to present these interim results from the CHANCE study”, said Jalan. “Our findings highlight the critical role of liver transplantation in saving lives and provide a strong foundation for future research and clinical practice”, he added.

The ELITA-EF CLIF Monothematic Conference provided an overview of ACLF diagnosis, the challenges in accessing liver transplantation for patients with severe ACLF across Europe, and the latest treatment approaches for alcohol-related hepatitis.

The conference also featured two round table discussions that examined clinical cases, allowing surgeons, hepatologists, intensive care specialists, and anesthesiologists to engage in meaningful dialogue about the most pressing issues in the field.