Listen On

Patient Education & Engagement

KOL Interview

July 2025

In this expert discussion, Dr. Paul Kwo, hepatologist at Stanford University, explores the critical importance of patient adherence to treatment for chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B remains a global public health challenge and a leading cause of liver cancer—and yet in the U.S., many individuals remain undiagnosed or untreated. Dr. Kwo outlines how to assess disease stage, when to initiate antiviral therapy, and how to communicate effectively with patients—especially foreign-born individuals—about the safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of approved treatments. He explains how these once-daily therapies improve outcomes, reduce the risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and why long-term follow-up is essential even for those not immediately eligible for treatment. Dr. Kwo also addresses cultural considerations, cost concerns, and common misconceptions around alternative therapies. This presentation emphasizes that hepatitis B is not only manageable—it is a condition where proactive care leads to meaningful, life-extending results.