Jorge Di Paola, MD Dear Colleagues, The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled and exacerbated the profound existing disparities in socioeconomic conditions across racial lines in the United States, with COVID-19 disproportionally affecting Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American communities. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., declared at the Convention of the Medical Committee for Human Rights in Chicago in 1966, “Of all forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman.” Many of our patients in pediatric hematology/oncology have long suffered the impact of these inequalities, affecting their care and outcomes. Therefore, during this year’s ASPHO Conference, we will attempt to address some of these issues in the Presidential Symposium scheduled for the morning of Thursday, April 22. For that purpose, we have two distinguished speakers and leaders in the field from our own subspecialty ranks joining us to discuss the impact of racial and socioeconomic disparities in pediatric hematology/oncology. Dr. Allison King, MD PhD MPH, is a professor of pediatrics, medicine, occupational therapy, surgery (Division of Public Health Science), and education at Washington University in Saint Louis. She will discuss the impact of healthcare disparities in hematology, with a particular emphasis on patients with sickle cell disease. Dr. Smita Bhatia, MD MPH, is a professor of pediatrics and the director of the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine. She also is the vice chair for outcomes in the Department of Pediatrics and associate director of cancer outcomes research at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and a previous recipient of ASPHO’s Frank A. Oski Memorial Lectureship Award. She will discuss disparities in cancer outcomes among children, including a focus on understanding the causes of disparity in these outcomes. Both speakers will present the results of their extensive scientific research efforts to overcome these disparities. I truly hope you can join us for this timely and exciting program. Sincerely, Celebrate and learn from prestigious awardees, lectureship recipients, and presenters at the ASPHO Summer Symposium on Tuesday, July 27, 9:30 am–3 pm CDT! This special virtual event on Tuesday, July 27, 9:30am – 3:00pm CT will feature research and presentations by individuals recognized for significant contributions to pediatric hematology/oncology. Free to 2021 ASPHO Conference registrants, the event program will celebrate these distinguished award winners and their contributions impacting the science and practice of pediatric hematology/oncology: Up to 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available. Stay tuned for a new way to learn! Coming soon! After the ASPHO Conference, keep an eye out for ASPHO’s upcoming Clinical Video Series—a four-part hematology video series focusing on anticoagulants and a four-part oncology series focusing on immunotherapy. Each episode is approximately 15 minutes long and will present clinical and scientific education on standards of care, difficult or unique cases, emerging technologies, new research, and innovative therapies. The series aims to provide bite-sized content on demand, when and where you need it. Individual episodes will be available as well as discounted access for the full bundle. More information will be available in May. Listen to Conference Planning Committee Chair Valerie Brown, MD PhD, as she shares highlights of this year’s conference! Benefit from live and on-demand education and a mix of events perfect for learning, networking, and socializing at this year’s virtual conference. Register now to connect with colleagues, experts, and thought leaders and gain access to all live programming and on-demand content for up to 90 days following the conference! This year’s virtual event includes opportunities for attendees to learn the latest science, connect with attendees through unique engagement opportunities, and network with colleagues from across the globe. Earn up to 37 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and 10 MOC Part 2 credits. Don’t miss luminary speakers Alexis Thompson, MD MPH, and E. Anders Kolb, MD; 25 Genius Bars; the popular Early Career Roundtable program; and oral presentations and over 350 posters. Continue your learning with the on-demand conference education available through July 23 and earn CME for every conference education session! Attendees also receive complimentary registration to the ASPHO Summer Symposium on Tuesday, July 27, featuring award and lectureship recipients and presentations by distinguished specialists. Congratulations to the winners of the free conference registration drawing! Congratulations to Linda McAllister-Lucas and Katharine Pearsall, winners of the free registration drawing to the 2021 ASPHO Conference! We are happy to offer them complimentary attendance to the ASPHO Conference programs on April 21-23. Socialize, network, and share insights at special events connecting you with the global community of pediatric hematology/oncology specialists. Set aside time to connect, network, and relax at the fun mix of small-group, one-to-one, and group engagement events throughout the conference: All engagement opportunities are included with registration for the 2021 ASPHO Conference. Be sure to register today to lock in access to these invaluable networking activities and professional connections! Congratulations to the 2021 Award Recipients! Jessica Foster, MD Bryan Sisk, MD MSCI Holly Edington, MD Nura El-Haj, MD Diana Fridlyand, MD Sumit Gupta, MD Peter Schoettler, MD Erin Harper, MS, APRN, CPNP-P View the accepted papers and posters here. You can also find them through our Searchable Abstract Database. ASPHO sincerely thanks the sponsors of the 2021 ASPHO Conference. The support our partners provide positively impacts the work of PHO professionals and benefits our joint mission to improve the care of children, adolescents and young adults. Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ), a global biopharmaceutical company, is dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with limited or no options, so they can live their lives more fully and redefine what is possible. As a leader in sleep medicine and with a growing hematology/oncology portfolio, Jazz has a diverse portfolio of products and product candidates in development, and is focused on transforming biopharmaceutical discoveries into novel medicines. As the North American affiliate of international biopharmaceutical company Sobi™, our team is committed to Sobi’s vision of providing sustainable access to innovative therapies and transforming the lives of people affected by rare diseases. We bring something rare to rare diseases – a belief in the strength of focus, the power of agility and the potential of the people we are dedicated to serving. Our product portfolio includes multiple approved treatments, focused on immunology and genetics/metabolism. With North American headquarters in the Boston area, Canadian headquarters in the Toronto area, and field sales, medical and market access representatives spanning North America, our growing team has a proven track record of commercial excellence. More information is available at www.sobi-northamerica.com. For more information about Sobi, visit www.sobi.com. The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is a national leader in pediatric cancer, hematology, and BMT programs. Recognized as one of the top centers in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s cares for 475+ newly diagnosed cancer patients and treats 2,000+ unique sickle cell disease patients annually. Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers provide individualized, state-of-the-art treatment for children with all forms of cancer and blood disorders. As one of the largest centers in the country, we treat children and adolescents from 50 states and 56 countries and aim to provide the most family-centered, advanced care possible. Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. Amgen is one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies reaching millions of patients and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential. For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgenoncology. Children’s Health is the eighth-largest pediatric health care provider in the nation and the only pediatric cancer program affiliated with the UT Southwestern Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas. We are also one of only five comprehensive bleeding disorders and thrombosis programs in Texas offering patients access to the latest clinical trials and therapies unavailable at other facilities. Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and delivery of life-changing treatments that provide hope to underserved patient communities. Founded in 2011, GBT is delivering on its goal to transform the treatment and care of sickle cell disease (SCD), a lifelong, devastating inherited blood disorder. The company has introduced Oxbryta™ (voxelotor), the first FDA-approved treatment that directly inhibits sickle hemoglobin polymerization, the root cause of SCD. GBT is also advancing its pipeline program in SCD with inclacumab, a p-selectin inhibitor in development to address pain crises associated with the disease. In addition, GBT’s drug discovery teams are working on new targets to develop the next generation of treatments for SCD. To learn more, please visit www.gbt.com and follow the company on Twitter @GBT_news. Sanofi Genzyme focuses on developing specialty treatments for debilitating diseases that are often difficult to diagnose and treat, providing hope to patients and their families. Learn more at www.sanofigenzyme.com. We bring cutting-edge, compassionate care to each patient. Our physician scientists are working on innovative new treatments, including immunotherapy, making stem cell transplantation safer and more accessible with αβ depletion, antibody-based conditioning and Tr1 cells, and gene therapy to treat sickle cell disease, Fanconi anemia and pyruvate kinase deficiency. bluebird bio is pioneering gene therapy with purpose. From our Cambridge, Mass., headquarters, we're developing gene and cell therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer, with the goal that people facing potentially fatal conditions with limited treatment options can live their lives fully. beyond our labs, we're working to positively disrupt the healthcare system to create access, transparency, and education so that gene therapy can become available to those who can benefit. Our goal is to recode the science, the system - and even the status quo - for life. Chiesi Global Rare Diseases (GRD) is a business unit of the Chiesi Group, a global company with 85 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and operating in 29 countries. Founded in February 2020 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, Chiesi GRD works in collaboration with Chiesi Group to harness the full resources and capabilities of our global network to bring innovative new treatment options to people living with rare diseases. As the founders of the biotechnology industry, our goal is to use the power of genetic engineering and advanced technologies to make medicines that address unmet medical needs, and help millions of people worldwide. In 2014 Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals, Inc. received FDA approval for HEMANGEOL™ (propranolol hydrochloride) oral Solution with a new pediatric indication for the treatment of Infantile Hemangioma requiring systemic therapy. To find out more about HEMANGEOL™ and Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals, please visit www.hemangeol.com. Brands: HEMANGEOL™ (propranolol hydrochloride) Oral Solution is a FDA-approved drug indicated for the treatment of proliferating Infantile Hemangioma requiring systemic therapy. Take a look below to see some of our Satellite Symposia and Education Theaters that will be featured at the 2021 ASPHO Conference. We are grateful to our partners for helping in making this year's virtual event a success! CME Morning Symposium (Hematology topic) Speaker: Rachel E. Rau, MD; Baylor College of Medicine, Dallas, Texas Please join our discussion on: This CME symposium is supported by an educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Non-CME Afternoon Symposium Speakers: Matthew Heeney, MD; Melissa Bonner, PhD; Christine Duncan, MD Please join our discussion on: This non-CME symposium is supported by bluebird bio. CME Morning Symposium Speakers: AeRang Kim, MD, PhD (Chair); Michael J. Fisher, MD; Andrea M. Gross, MD Please join our discussion on: This CME symposium is presented by Creative Educational Concepts (CEC Oncology) and supported by an independent educational grant from AstraZeneca. Non-CME Morning Symposium (Hematology topic) Moderator: Adeola Davis, PhD, MPA Speaker: Deva Sharma, MD, MS, Hematology & Transfusion Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Please join our discussion on: This non-CME symposium is supported by Terumo. Non-CME Afternoon Symposium Speaker: Caterina Minniti, MD This non-CME symposium is supported by Chiesi USA. Non-CME Afternoon Symposium Please join our discussion on: This non-CME symposium is supported by Sanofi. Speaker: Ahmar Zaidi, MD Please join us to learn about the underlying pathophysiology of sickle cell disease. We will discuss inheritance patterns of sickle cell genotypes, the pathology leading to red blood cell sickling, and how this leads to subsequent hemolysis, anemia, and vaso-occlusions. This program will also review the clinical efficacy and safety of the first and only FDA-approved hemoglobin polymerization inhibitor for patients with sickle cell disease. Speaker: Frederick Goldman, MD, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Children's of Alabama In this session, Dr. Goldman shares his experience on how he has used the Karius Test to diagnose infections in pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies. Speaker: Joel Weinthal, MD, Texas Oncology Pediatrics, Medical City Children’s Hospital Read about Dr. Jennifer Andrews’s career path in this issue’s Career Path Spotlight! The ASPHO Training Committee is excited to present this month’s edition of the Career Path Spotlight series. This resource showcases the career paths of a variety of ASPHO physician members and informs medical students, residents, pediatric hematology/oncology fellows, and early-career junior faculty members of the career opportunities available to them. This month’s spotlight features Dr. Jennifer Andrews from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN! Reinforce your subspecialty knowledge with The KARE Toolkit, updated for 2021! With the KARE: Knowledge and Assessment RRsources and PHO Review Course On-Demand, specialists at every career stage can use self-assessment tools and on-demand content to review core principles to build and maintain clinical expertise, receive CME or Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Part 2 points, and prepare for anticipated MOC changes. These online products are convenient as standalone or companion resources and available at a special price when purchased together as KARE Plus. Groups of 5 or more can take advantage of the KARE Plus Institutional Group Discount for special savings. by Nidhi Shah, DO, Chair, Diversity Advisory Group The novel Coronavirus has forever changed the landscape of healthcare system in countries around the world, as governments try to limit the spread of a potentially fatal virus through imposition of medically-necessary lockdowns and effective social-distancing measures. The populations most affected by these measures are those that are socioeconomically disadvantaged and those with significant co-morbidities. Low socioeconomic status would likely lead to higher risk of Coronavirus exposure as living conditions are smaller and/or more crowded, with multiple working adults, limited childcare resources, limited access to transportation, and limited financial resources (1). This vulnerable set of patients often overlaps with those that have significant co-morbidities, which could prove fatal in the setting of COVID-19 infection. These co-morbidities, in turn, result in the need for frequent interaction with various healthcare providers, thereby increasing exposure to COVID-19 in a high-risk environment. Efforts to adhere to social distancing measures and, at times, lockdown restrictions have impacted access to healthcare providers. The impact on access is compounded by patient attempts to navigate challenges associated with limiting exposure, facilitation of childcare resources for siblings in single-parent or limited adult households, various hospital visitor restriction policies, and transportation restrictions. Telemedicine provides an adequate alternative to in-person clinical encounters for patients where complete physical evaluations are not instrumental to ongoing management of care. In particular, it allows for ongoing close monitoring of a vulnerable population by their physicians and other healthcare providers. While this method of clinical evaluation does rely on the use of technology, typically an internet-accessible smartphone is sufficient and, when possible, often the desired method of interacting with the healthcare system by patients (2). Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services temporarily revised the reimbursement system in 2020, to be continued in 2021, to accommodate ongoing clinical needs with adequate coverage and compensation given the restrictions involved with in-person clinical encounters (3). Most families are now able to access medical services, with adequate compensation for the physicians and associated healthcare providers and insurance coverage for families. Parents are able to commit to follow-up visits without having to worry about arranging childcare for siblings or transportation issues, have greater flexibility in appointment times, and limit their exposure to Coronavirus. While there are challenges associated with any technology, most hospital systems have adopted telemedicine platforms to meet the current needs of their patient population. In order to assess telemedicine and telehealth usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to look at usage opportunities beyond the pandemic, the ASPHO 2020 Telehealth Survey was conducted by the ASPHO Advocacy Committee and ASPHO Practice Committee. The survey found that telehealth decreased a myriad of challenges related to transportation and travel for patients and families. It also increased access to care in underserved areas and underserved communities. The majority of respondents reported that telehealth had a positive impact on their practice and/or quality of life (52.1% positive, 33.2% no impact, 14.7% negative). For patients and their families, the vast majority noted a positive impact on quality of life (77.1% positive, 17.2% no impact, 5.7% negative) (4). ASPHO continues to explore advocacy for enhancing and continuing telehealth post-COVID. Telemedicine provides pediatric patients affected by significant co-morbidities and/or who are socioeconomically disadvantaged access to ongoing, essential medical care. References: ASPHO thanks our 2020–2021 member volunteers! National Volunteer Month is upon us, and ASPHO would like to honor and highlight the contributions of our member volunteers. Their dedication and drive allow the Society to fulfill our strategic goals and mission. A huge thank you to each of our 2020–2021 member volunteers. Whether you served on a standing committee or task force or as a liaison to an external partner, contributed through member publications, or were involved in an ad hoc project, we appreciate your time and dedication! ASPHO is also excited to welcome incoming committee volunteers as they begin their terms on standing committees. We hope that you find personal fulfillment from being an integral part of your profession and ASPHO’s progress! ASPHO provides a year-round open application process to be considered for committee openings. Those submitting applications now through this winter will be considered for committee vacancies for the 2022–2023 Society year. For further information on ASPHO committees and to access the application, please visit our committee webpage. A 4-year-old female was referred to Gastroenterology for short stature, easy bruising, abdominal pain and constipation by her PCP. Chandni Dargan, MD A 4-year-old female was referred to Gastroenterology for short stature, easy bruising, abdominal pain and constipation by her PCP. She was found to have elevated tissue transglutaminase-Immunoglobulin A and was found to be positive for auto antibodies to endomysial IgA. Duodenal biopsy confirmed celiac disease (CD). CBC with differential performed at that visit is as follows: ASPHO would like to extend a big thank you to our industry partners for their support of our goals and mission of promoting the optimal care of children, adolescents and young adults with blood disorders and cancer by advancing research, education, treatment, and professional practice. Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. Amgen is one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies reaching millions of patients and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential. bluebird bio is pioneering gene therapy with purpose. From our Cambridge, Mass., headquarters, we're developing gene and cell therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer, with the goal that people facing potentially fatal conditions with limited treatment options can live their lives fully. beyond our labs, we're working to positively disrupt the healthcare system to create access, transparency, and education so that gene therapy can become available to those who can benefit. Our goal is to recode the science, the system - and even the status quo - for life. Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (Nasdaq: JAZZ), a global biopharmaceutical company, is dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with limited or no options, so they can live their lives more fully and redefine what is possible. As a leader in sleep medicine and with a growing hematology/oncology portfolio, Jazz has a diverse portfolio of products and product candidates in development, and is focused on transforming biopharmaceutical discoveries into novel medicines. ASPHO’s Career Center offers resources for resume writing, coaching, reference checks and more. Take advantage of ASPHO's Career Center resources to stay on top of job openings in the field. Skim the Resources section for resume writing, coaching, reference check, search strategy videos, and more. Create a personal account to save job postings and skim FAQs to learn how to best navigate the site! The Career Center is the go-to source where institutions post employment and targeted recruitment opportunities in the field.April 2021
Table of Contents
President's Message
Presidential Symposium to Address Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Care
JorgeUpcoming Programming
ASPHO Summer Symposium
Coming Soon: ASPHO Clinical Video Series
Conference Central
Join Us for the 2021 ASPHO Conference
3 Weeks Left to Register for #ASPHO2021
Raffle Winners!
Coffee Chats, Yoga, Art Therapy, Roundtables—and More Ways to Engage—at #ASPHO2021
Young Investigator, Early Career, and Advanced Practice Professional Award Announcements
2021 ASPHO Young Investigator Award Recipients
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
Use of mRNA CAR T-Cells for Malignant Pediatric Brain Tumors
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO
Communication Breakdowns in Pediatric Oncology: Contributors, Consequences, and Responses
2021 Early Career Recipients
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Predictors and Outcomes of Immunoglobulin Supplementation in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Oakland, CA
Chemotherapy-Induced Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy: The Role of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University
Atlanta, GA
HSCT Rescues Marrow Failure in A Patient with Leukemia and Previously Undiagnosed Ligase IV Syndrome
MEK Inhibition Overcomes Stromal Cell-Mediated Resistance to MRX-2843, a Dual MERTK/FLT3 Inhibitor
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Viroimmunotherapy for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX
High-Throughput Small Molecule Screening to Identify New Treatments for Pleuropulmonary Blastoma
2021 Advanced Practice Professional Recipient
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memphis, TN
Improving Weekend Clinic Handoff, a Single Institution Quality Improvement Effort
Accepted Papers and Posters
Thank You to Our 2021 Conference Sponsors
Sponsors
Platinum Level
Diamond Level
Gold Level
Silver Level
Take a Look at the #ASPHO2021 Satellite Symposia and Education Theaters
Meeting Therapeutic Challenges in Pediatric ALL: Expert Perspectives on the Use of Asparaginase Compounds
Gene Therapy: New Horizons for β-Hemoglobinopathies
Aiming Targeted Medical Therapies at Neurofibromatosis Type 1: An Interactive, Case-Based Guide for the Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist
Iron Overload and Alloimmunization in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Does the Transfusion Method Make a Difference?
Iron Overload in Transfusion-Dependent Patients: Implications for End Organ Damage and COVID-19
Splenomegaly in Children: When It’s Not a Malignancy
Expert Perspective: The First HbS Polymerization Inhibitor to Treat the Root Cause of Sickle Cell DiseaseCME Morning Symposium (Hematology topic)
Non-Invasively Diagnosing Infections in Pediatric Patients with Hematologic Malignancies
Gaucher Disease: An Opportunity to Recognize and Diagnose Patients for Pediatric Hematologists
Society News
Career Path Spotlight Series
Now Available: KARE: Knowledge and Assessment REsources (KARE) Toolkit, 2021 Edition
Membership Bulletin
Diversity Corner
Addressing Inclusion in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Through Telehealth During the Pandemic
Telemedicine provides convenient and safe access to health care for vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
Thank You to Our Volunteers!
Case Quiz
A 4-Year-Old with Anemia and Thrombocytopenia
Shabnam Arsiwala MD
Nazia Tabassum Iqbal MD
Mukta Sharma MD MPH
Children’s Mercy Hospital
Kansas City, MOIndustry Relations Council
Thank You to Our Industry Partners
Premier Level
Executive Level
Career Center
Visit the Career Center Today