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,
Jorge

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:

• Recognizing Melissa Hudson, MD, and M. Monica Gramatges, MD,  Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship recipients
• Bone Marrow Failure and MDS: Lessons from Rare Diseases, Akiko Shimamura, MD PhD, Frank A. Oski Memorial Award and Lectureship recipient
• Presentations by Alex Kentsis, MD PhD, and Kimberly Stegmaier, MD, St. Baldrick’s Foundation Robert J. Arceci Innovation Award recipients
• Recognizing Garrett Brodeur, MD, Distinguished Career Award recipient
• Artificial Intelligence Symposium, Patrick Leavey, MD, Ovidiu Daescu, PhD, and Anthony Chang, MD MBA MPH MS
• Presentation by Donald Mahoney, MD, George R. Buchanan Award and Lectureship recipient

Up to 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available.

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.

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.

Learn more about the 2021 ASPHO Conference, read the full schedule of events, expert faculty, topics and continuing education information, and bookmark aspho.org/2021-conference for the latest updates on #ASPHO2021!

 

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.

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:

• Kick off each morning of the conference connecting at the daily Coffee Chat drop-ins, with special tables for first-time attendees and fellows wanting to connect with peers.
• Participate in pre-selected topic-based roundtable discussions – and create your own themed discussion table!
• Gain insight and share advice on select diversity topics at the Diversity Dialogue drop-in.
• Press pause and relax with ASPHO’s prerecorded yoga and meditation sessions.
• Join your attendees for a chance at prizes at:
  • Art Therapy—attendees will be guided through art therapy techniques to help decompress and destress
  • Magic Show—bring your family and the popcorn as an award-winning magician presents an hour of magic and laughs
  • Networking Reception & Trivia—grab a beverage and flex your smarts as you compete against fellow attendees on your knowledge of pop culture, food and drinks, and all things PHO!

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!

2021 ASPHO Young Investigator Award Recipients

Jessica Foster, MD
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
Use of mRNA CAR T-Cells for Malignant Pediatric Brain Tumors

Bryan Sisk, MD MSCI
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO
Communication Breakdowns in Pediatric Oncology: Contributors, Consequences, and Responses

2021 Early Career Recipients

Holly Edington, MD
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Predictors and Outcomes of Immunoglobulin Supplementation in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Nura El-Haj, MD
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Oakland, CA
Chemotherapy-Induced Sensory Peripheral Neuropathy: The Role of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling

Diana Fridlyand, MD
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

Sumit Gupta, MD
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Viroimmunotherapy for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas

Peter Schoettler, MD
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

Erin Harper, MS, APRN, CPNP-P
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Memphis, TN
Improving Weekend Clinic Handoff, a Single Institution Quality Improvement Effort

Sponsors

Platinum Level

 

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.

 

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Diamond Level

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.

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Gold Level

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.

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Silver Level

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.

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!

Access the April Spotlight.

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.

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:

1. Patel, J.A., Nielsen, F.B.H., Badiani, A.A., Assi, S., Unadkat, V.A., Patel, B., Ravindrane, R., & Wardle, H.  Poverty, inequality and COVID-19: the forgotten vulnerable. (2020, June). Public Health, 183, 110–111.
2. Lau, J., Knudsen, J., Jackson, H., Wallach, A.B., Bouton, M., Natsui, S., Philippou, C., Karim, E., Silvestri, D.M., Avalone, L., Zaurova, M., Schatz, D., Sun, V., & Chokshi, D.A. Staying connected in the COVID-19 pandemic: telehealth at the largest safety-net system in The United States. (2020, August). Health Aff (Millwood), 39(8), 1437–1442. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2020.00903.
3. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021, March 22).>C2C Telehealth Resources. https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/OMH/equity-initiatives/c2c/consumer-resources/telehealth-resources
4. ASPHO 2020 Telehealth Survey.

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.

Chandni Dargan, MD
Shabnam Arsiwala MD
Nazia Tabassum Iqbal MD
Mukta Sharma MD MPH
Children’s Mercy Hospital
Kansas City, MO

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:

Take the Quiz

Premier Level

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.

Executive Level

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.

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.