From May 15 to 17, 2026, the Inaugural Annual Conference of the World Ablative Therapies Association (WATA 2026) was grandly convened at the Sheraton Grand Beijing New Qinghai Hotel.
As a key pre-conference event, four specialized ablation training workshops were held concurrently on May 15, covering thyroid tumor ablation, liver tumor ablation, lung tumor ablation, and Nanoknife tumor ablation. Among these, the liver tumor ablation workshop stood out for its distinctive features and unprecedented attendance.
The curriculum not only encompassed various therapeutic modalities—such as microwave ablation (MWA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), radioactive seed implantation, cryoablation, and Nanoknife (irreversible electroporation, IRE)—but also featured diverse guidance modalities, including laparoscopic, magnetic resonance (MR), ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) guidance. Furthermore, the program shared invaluable clinical experience in managing lesions in special and challenging anatomical locations, addressed post-procedural complication management and post-ablation imaging assessment, and concluded with a forward-looking perspective on future technological innovations. It offered a panoramic showcase of cutting-edge advancements and Chinese expertise in this field.
International Program on Liver Tumor Ablation (Session I)
May 15, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Opening & Moderation
At the opening ceremony, Professor Yue-Yong Xiao, the inaugural President of WATA from the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, delivered the opening remarks. His welcome address was concise yet enthusiastic, dignified, pragmatic, and highly professional.
Professor Yue-Yong Xiao
This session was moderated by Professor Qi-Yu Zhao from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. He precisely managed the pacing, adeptly facilitated questions and discussions, and demonstrated fluent, idiomatic English, fostering a highly efficient and vibrant atmosphere for academic exchange.
Professor Qi-Yu Zhao
Keynote Lectures
1. Prof. Yue-Yong Xiao
• Title: Principles, Characteristics, and Clinical Applications of Commonly Used Image-Guided Tumor Thermal Ablation Technologies
• Note: The workshop then proceeded to the keynote lecture phase, initiated by Professor Xiao's comprehensive presentation.
2. Prof. Xiao-Kun Hu, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University
• Title: Application of Radioactive Seed Implantation in Liver Cancer
• Note: Prompted by the arrival of international delegates, Professor Hu seamlessly transitioned to delivering his presentation entirely in English mid-session.
3. Prof. Li-Zhi Niu, Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital
• Title: Standards and Techniques of Cryoablation for Liver Cancer
• Note: Delivered entirely in English. Having contributed to the formulation of multiple clinical guidelines for cryoablation, Professor Niu delivered a lecture that was both highly authoritative and engaging.
Professor Li-Zhi Niu Delivering the Lecture
4. Prof. Yuan-Cheng Wang, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University
• Title: Imaging Evaluation after Locoregional Therapy for Liver Cancer
• Note: Delivered in English, the presentation directly addressed clinical pain points and was highly captivating. Professor Wang specifically emphasized the necessity of using hepatocyte-specific contrast agents for the post-procedural evaluation of treated lesions, which sparked a lively discussion among the audience.
Professor Yuan-Cheng Wang Delivering the Lecture
5. Prof. Cheng-Li Li, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University
• Title: Standards and Techniques of MRI-Guided Ablation for Liver Cancer
• Note: Delivered entirely in English. Speaking fluent English, Professor Li showcased numerous compelling clinical cases, eliciting an intense post-lecture discussion.
International Program on Liver Tumor Ablation (Session II)
May 15, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Moderators: Jia Liu, Qi-Yu Zhao
Keynote Lectures
1. Prof. Tian-An Jiang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine
• Title: Advances in Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) for Liver Cancer in High-Risk Locations
• Note: Professor Jiang focused on clinical experiences with ultrasound-guided Nanoknife (IRE) therapy and shared clinical cases of IRE treatment for portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).
2. Prof. Xiang Jing, Tianjin Third Central Hospital
• Title: Prevention, Identification, and Management of Complications in Liver Cancer Ablation
• Note: His presentation emphasized the prevention and early detection of major complications such as hemorrhage and perforation, highlighting occult signs and their corresponding interventions.
3. Prof. Jian-Hui Yang, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital
• Title: Standards and Techniques of Laparoscopic-Guided Ablation for Liver Cancer
• Note: He provided a comprehensive analysis from a laparoscopic perspective, opening up new horizons for ablative interventions.
4. Prof. Kai Li, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University
• Title: Ablation Strategies for Liver Cancer in Special Locations: Subcapsular, Dome, and Lesions Adjacent to the Gastrointestinal Tract or Gallbladder
• Note: From the standpoint of ultrasound guidance, Professor Li shared practical clinical experiences for ablated lesions in anatomically challenging locations.
5. Prof. Ying-Tian Wei, The First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital
• Title: CT-Guided Cryoablation for Liver Cancer in Special Locations
• Note: From a CT guidance perspective, Professor Wei provided valuable insights into managing liver tumors situated in complex anatomical locations.
6. Prof. Jun-Zhe Yi, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
• Title: The Future of Ablation Therapy: Historical Achievements and Current Challenges
Conclusion
This specialized liver ablation training program strongly emphasized clinical skills, effectively bridging theory and practice. The hands-on, case-based teaching approach yielded excellent outcomes, laying a solid foundation for WATA's future training and educational series on liver tumor interventions.
