I express my deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to the “Korean Association for the Study of the Liver (KASL) Clinical Practice Guideline for Noninvasive Tests To Assess Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease.” The integration of a systematic literature review and meta-analysis, which significantly enhances the evidence-based foundation of these guidelines, is of particular note. This rigorous approach ensures that its recommendations are anchored in the most current and relevant scientific research and reflect a thorough evaluation of the existing evidence.

Our meta-analyses encompassed several crucial studies and data points to address key questions related to the assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases. It is essential to acknowledge that some topics within our guideline remain contentious and are constrained by the scope of the high-quality evidence available. By addressing those topics, we aim to provide clearer guidance for clinical practice while recognizing the ongoing need for further research. The key questions were suggested by various stakeholders beyond KASL, including professional societies and patient groups. We designed our meta-analyses to be applicable not only in referral hospitals but also in primary clinics to ensure broad accessibility and relevance across different healthcare settings.

I celebrate this important milestone, confident that the thorough processes we have undertaken, along with the knowledge and insights gained from our systematic reviews and meta-analyses, will serve as a valuable resource for future KASL guideline development and set the stage for more robust and comprehensive guidelines. Our ultimate objective remains to improve patient care and outcomes through solid, evidence-based recommendations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed, with special appreciation to Professor Seung Up Kim, the chair of the Guideline Development Committee, and Professor Yoon Jun Kim, the KASL president, for their indispensable contributions and leadership. We eagerly anticipate further progress in this vital field of healthcare and the continued evolution of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology and KASL.

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