Schedule

Tuesday, May 3

7:45 am–9:00 pm

Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium Meeting

 

Wednesday, May 4

7:30–11:30 am

Pre-Conference Session - Clinical Trials in AYA Oncology: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and a Collaborative Approach*

*for in-person participants

11:15 am–12:15 pm

Corporate Satellite Symposia

12:30 pm–1:50 pm

Plenary Paper Session (Live Stream)

Young Investigator Award Presentations (Live Stream)

Early Career Travel Stipend and Advanced Practice Provider Travel Stipend Award Announcements (Live Stream)

2:00–3:30 pm

Concurrent Educational Sessions

• A1 – ASPHO/PTCTC Joint Session - Stem Cell Transplant vs. Cellular Therapy in Acute Leukemia: A Debate (Live Stream)

• A2 – Prevent Clots in Kids: A Call to Action

• A3 – Recent Advances in the Genomics of Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors

3:30–4:15 pm

Welcome Back Break

4:15–5:15 pm

Concurrent Educational Sessions

• A4 – The Changing Therapeutic Approach to Intermediate Behavior Tumors: Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis, Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor, and Infantile Fibrosarcoma (Live Stream)

• A5 – The New Kid on the Block: Riding the #SoMe Wave to Academic Success

• A6 – Breaking Down the RVU: Physician Compensation Models and Changing Healthcare Landscape

5:15–6:15 pm

Welcome Reception for New Members, First-Time and International Attendees*

*for in-person participants

5:30–6:00 pm

Small Program Special Interest Group Business Meeting

Well-Being Special Interest Group Business Meeting

5:30–6:30 pm

Special Interest Group Meetings

• Hemoglobinopathies SIG
• Integrative PHO SIG

6:30–8 pm

Corporate Satellite Symposia

Division Directors Dinner Meeting (DDM)*

*for in-person participants

 

Thursday, May 5

7–8:30 am

Corporate Satellite Symposia

7–8 pm

Fun Run*

*for in-person participants

7:45 – 8:15 am

DEI SIG Business Meeting

7:45–8:45 am

Special Interest Group Meetings*

• Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) SIG
• Clinical Immunology SIG
• Global SIG

Clinical Conundrum - Palliative Care*

Clinical Conundrum - Sickle Cell Disease*

*for in-person participants

8–9 am

Networking Break

9–10:30 am

Concurrent Educational Sessions

• B7 – Update on Medical Management of Sickle Cell Disease (Live Stream)

• B8 – Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Tumorigenesis, Treatment, and Risk of Relapse

• B9 – Big Databases bring new insights

10:45–11:45 am

Concurrent Paper Sessions

• Oncology/HSCT/CT: Clinical Outcomes (Live Steam)
• Oncology: Lab-based/Translational
• Hematology: Sickle Cell Disease

11:00 am–12:40 pm

Business Meeting

12:45–2 pm

Corporate Satellite Symposia

Early Career Roundtable Luncheon*

*for in-person participants

1–2 pm

Special Interest Group Meetings*

• Cancer Predisposition SIG
• Hospitalist Medicine SIG
• Palliative Care SIG
• Quality Improvement and Patient Safety SIG

*for in-person participants

2:15–3:15 pm

Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship Announcement*

Frank A. Oski Memorial Lectureship Award Presentation*

*session will be live-streamed

3:15–3:45 pm

Networking Break

3:45–4:45 pm

Concurrent Educational Sessions

• B10 – Challenges of AML CAR T-cell Therapy in Children and Young Adults

• B11 – Review and Update of Fertility for the Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist - Oncofertility Issues (Live Stream)

• B12 – Leading Anti-Racist Teams, a Hands-On Communications Workshop

5–6 pm

Concurrent Educational Sessions

• B13 – Rare Lymphomas: Diagnosis and Management

• B14 – Immunohematology: A Multidisciplinary Model (Live Stream)

• B15 – 'I don't want my child to be a guinea pig': Navigating Communication about Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Opening Reception with Exhibits and Posters 

6:00 – 6:45 pm

Meet the SIGs

6:00 – 7:00 pm

Author-Attended Poster Session A: Odd-numbered Posters

6:15 – 6:45 pm

Genius Bars

Education Theater

7:00 – 7:30 pm

Even-numbered Poster Tour

7–8:30 pm

Corporate Satellite Symposia

Fellowship Program Directors Dinner Meeting (PDD)*

*for in-person participants 

 

Friday, May 6

7–8 am

Corporate Satellite Symposia

8–9 am

Breakfast with Exhibits and Posters

Education Theater

9–10:30 am

Concurrent Educational Sessions

• C16 – Challenging Hematology Consults

• C17 – What's on the horizon for HLH?

• C18 – Great Debates in Infection Management in Pediatric Oncology (Live Stream)

10:30 – 11:30 am

Break with Exhibits and Posters

10:45 – 11:15 am

Genius Bars

Education Theater

11:30 am–12:30 pm

Presidential Symposium – Curing Incurable Diseases

12:30 – 2:00 pm

Lunch with Exhibits and Posters

Speed Mentoring

Even-numbered Author Attended Poster Session

Corporate Satellite Symposia

Education Theater

2:15–3:30 pm

George R. Buchanan Lectureship Award Presentation

St. Baldrick’s Foundation Robert J. Arceci Innovation Award Recipient Presentations

3:45–5:15 pm

Concurrent Educational Sessions

• C19 – Adoptive Cellular Therapy for Solid Tumors: Prior Experience, Challenges, and Potential for the Future era

• C20 – Management of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients in the COVID-19 (Live Stream)

• C21 – Moving the Needle: Equity in Academia

5:30–6:30 pm

Distinguished Career Award Presentation and Reception

6:30–8 pm

Corporate Satellite Symposia

 

Saturday, May 7

7–8:30 am

Corporate Satellite Symposia

7:30–8:30 am

Clinical Conundrum - Management of Relapsed/Refractory T-cell ALL*

Clinical Conundrum - Use of DOACs in Children*

Special Interest Group Meetings*

• Joint: DEI, Small Program, Well-Being program
• Informatics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) SIG
• Physician Scientist SIG
• Vascular Anomalies SIG

*for in-person participants

8–8:45 am

Networking Break

8:45–9:45 am

Concurrent Educational Workshops

• D22 – TAM and ML-DS - Current Challenges

• D23 – Novel Blood Component Therapies in Pediatrics

• D24 – Can You Hear Me Now?: Cultivating a Culture of Respect, Value, and Appreciation within Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (Live Stream)

10–11 am

Concurrent Paper Sessions

• Children's Oncology Group (COG) (Live Stream)

• Hematology Science as presented at the 2021 ASH Annual Congress

11–11:30 am

Networking Break

11:30 am–12:45 pm

Oncology Luminary Presentation with Paper Sessions

Hematology Luminary Presentation with Paper Sessions*

*session will be live-streamed

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

APP SIG Meeting

12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Post-Conference Session: A Review of Hematology/Oncology for the Advanced Practice Provider

3:30 pm

Conference concludes

AYAs are a population known to face critical challenges in cancer care, underlined by inferior clinical outcomes and a lack of dedicated research. The causes for these deficiencies are multifactorial, highlighted by poorer clinical trial enrollment and the lack of equity in clinical trial design. This session will underscore the current deficiencies in our current clinical trial model and the importance of a collaborative approach to clinical trials for AYAs.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the current deficiencies and barriers to support equitable and inclusive clinical trials for AYA cancers.
• Discuss the importance of collaborative approach in clinical trial design and administration for AYAs, particularly the inclusion of adult oncologist/consortia.

AYA Clinical Trial Landscape in Neuro-oncology
Kee Kiat Yeo, MD (moderator)

Background
Stefanie M. Thomas, MD (moderator)

Disparity in AYA Clinical Trial Design and Enrollment
Puja Umaretiya, MD
Jeffrey Edwards, MD MPH

Collaborative Approach to Clinical Trials for AYAs
Nupur Mittal, MD

Advanced registration is required. The registration fee is $125.

The following were the highest scored abstracts selected by the 2022 Conference Planning Committee.

Moderators:

• Valerie I. Brown, MD PhD
• Karen E. Effinger, MD

(2001) EFFECTS OF THE CDC’S 2016 OPIOID GUIDELINES ON PEDIATRIC AND ADULT PATIENTS WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Hyeun Ah Kang, PhD

(2002) BETIBEGLOGENE AUTOTEMCEL IN PEDIATRIC PTS WITH TRANSFUSION-DEPENDENT β-THALASSEMIA IN PHASE 3 TRIALS
Ashutosh Lal, MD

View the abstracts here.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

The ASPHO Young Investigator Award was established in 1989 to formally recognize excellence in pediatric hematology/oncology research and to promote basic and clinical investigation into the fields of hematology and oncology by fellows and faculty members who are less than 4 years post-fellowship.

Moderators:

• Valerie I. Brown, MD PhD
• Karen E. Effinger, MD

(2003) BLOCKING THE BCL10-MALT1 INTERACTION IN DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA
Lisa Maurer, MD PhD

(2004) PTEFB-DEPENDENT TRANSCRIPTION REORGANIZATION UNDERPINS THE GLIOMA ADAPTIVE RESPONSE TO RADIOTHERAPY
Nathan A. Dahl, MD

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the relationship between chromatin state and transcriptional regulation.
• Examine how judicious disruption of transcription can be used to augment existing anti-cancer therapy.

View the abstracts here.

2022 Early Career Award Recipients:

• Eman Al-Antary, MD - Children's Hospital of Michigan
  Novel Therapy for Cytarabine-Resistant AML Utilizing the Combination of AZD5991 and ONC213
  
  
• Sharmila Raghunandan, DO MPH - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University
  Abatacept for the Prevention of GVHD in Pediatric Patients receiving 7/8 HLA-mismatched Transplant
  
  
• Connor Hall, MD PhD - Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  MTHFR Polymorphisms are Associated with Decreased Methotrexate Tolerance in Pediatric ALL
  
  
• Roma Rajput, MD - Children's National Hospital
  Standardized Thromboprophylaxis Protocol in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
  
  
• Sherri Smart, MD PhD - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Emory University
  Mertk Inhibitor, MRX-2843, is a Potential Novel Therapy in Pediatric Bone Sarcomas

2022 Advanced Practice Provider Award Recipient:

• Beth Speckhart, APN - University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
  Increased Epigenetic Age in Childhood Cancer Survivors

(A1) ASPHO/PTCTC Joint Session - Stem Cell Transplant vs. Cellular Therapy in Acute Leukemia: A Debate (Live Stream)
Stem cell transplant has long been recommended in children with relapsed or refractory ALL. With the development and improved understanding of CAR-T therapy in the last several years, the landscape of therapeutic options has expanded. What remains unknown is when best to utilize these treatment options. Pediatric hematology/oncology/SCT practitioners are faced with these decisions daily and could benefit from understanding the most current data available.

It is often unclear whether to refer these patients for SCT or CAR-T. Understanding how best to incorporate both options will allow for improved outcomes and potentially fewer long-term complications for these children.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the use of cellular therapy (CAR-T) in children with ALL and emerging data regarding outcomes and late effects.
• Describe advances in the field of stem cell transplant for children with relapsed/refractory ALL.
• Discuss optimal timing for each therapy for subgroups of patients with relapsed/refractory ALL.

Presenters:

• Meret Henry, MD (moderator)
• Jamie Stokke, MD (moderator)
• Rayne H. Rouce, MD
• Michael Pulsipher, MD
• Shannon Maude, MD PhD

(A2) Prevent Clots in Kids: A Call to Action
We have seen a recent explosion of protocols and systems for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in high-risk populations. Much of this work has been done in adult medical, surgical, and trauma patients. Despite evidence that VTE is an increasing problem in pediatrics, similar protocols for hospitalized children are not universal. The heterogeneity of pediatric populations, challenges with medical prophylaxis, concerns about bleeding risk, and overall lower risk for VTE in children are responsible for this gap. Through this session, providers will understand populations at risk for VTE and how to facilitate best practices for this preventable condition.

Learning Objectives

• Describe best practices for prevention of VTE in hospitalized children.
• Discuss the risk factors for and prevention of central line associated VTE.
• Describe best practices for VTE prevention in special populations of children including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and congenital heart failure.

Presenters:

• Caitlin Neri, MD (moderator)
• Char Witmer, MD
• Julie Jaffray, MD
• Yaser Diab, MD

(A3) Recent Advances in the Genomics of Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors
Pediatric CNS tumors represent a serious health concern with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment paramount to achieving a cure. Recent years have seen rapid advances in the discovery of novel genomic events associated with development, classification, risk stratification and treatment of CNS tumors. Given the complexity of genomic information, it is challenging for providers to know how best to incorporate this information into clinical practice. This session aims to highlight the latest advances in germline and tumor genomic testing for children with CNS tumors. We will discuss how genomic information can inform patient care to improve overall outcomes.

Learning Objectives

• Enhance understanding of genetic predisposition to CNS tumors.
• Review advances in CNS tumor genomics and its impact on diagnosis and risk stratification.
• Discuss how CNS tumor genomic testing can inform the use of targeted therapies

Opening and Closing Remarks
Julia Meade, MD (moderator)

Genetic Predisposition to Brain Tumors and Surveillance Measures
Aditi Dhir, MD

Advances in Brain Tumor Genomics and Their Impact on Classification and Risk Stratification
Paul Northcott, PhD

Capitalizing on Germline and Tumor Genomics for Therapy
Rishi Lulla, MD MS

(A4) The Changing Therapeutic Approach to Intermediate Behavior Tumors: Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis, Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor, and Infantile Fibrosarcoma (Live Stream)
In recent years, tremendous strides have been made in understanding the biological underpinnings of 3 intermediate-behavior tumors: desmoid-type fibromatosis (aka desmoid tumor, aggressive fibromatosis), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and infantile fibrosarcoma. As a result, therapy for these conditions has continued to evolve. This session will explore advances in our understanding of the biology of these 3 intermediate tumor types. A practical case-based approach will be used to highlight how to recognize and evaluate patients with these tumors, understand the role of molecular profiling, and identify relevant molecularly-targeted therapies. Recent data on germline genetic predisposition to desmoid fibromatosis will also be reviewed.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the value of molecular profiling for identifying optimal therapy for selected intermediate behavior soft tissue tumors.
• Identify changes in the therapeutic approach to desmoid fibromatosis.

Presenters:

• Andrew Walter, MD (moderator)
• Cindy Schwartz, MD MPH (moderator)
• Aaron Weiss, DO
• Jessica Davis, MD
• Theodore W. Laetsch, MD

(A5) The New Kid on the Block: Riding the #SoMe Wave to Academic Success
Social Media (SM) is having an immense impact on healthcare, giving providers an opportunity to share knowledge on a large scale efficiently. Virtual networking and mentorship have facilitated access beyond physical barriers. Twitter is now being used to further trainee engagement, professional development, and interfacing with the public. However, many providers are hesitant to use SM for professional growth. This stems from ignorance of nuances of online networking/etiquette, how to leverage SM to advance research, and its impact. This session will address these gaps and discuss the use of SM metrics by promotion committees to assess academic progress.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the 'ecosystem' of Social Media platforms within pediatric hematology-oncology.
• Explain how Social Media can be used as an effective tool for education and advocacy.
• Show how to leverage social media for professional networking and academic development.

Moderator and What #PHOdocs Need to Know about Social Media
Hemalatha Rangarajan, MD

What is Your Lane? From Education to Advocacy
Patrick McGann, MD MS

Advancing Yourself: Promotion and Networking
Nicole Kucine, MD MS

(A6) Breaking Down the RVU: Physician Compensation Models and Changing Healthcare Landscape
Compensation methodology in clinical practice is complex and subject to institutional variations. Traditional models structured around RVU (Relative Value Unit) are challenged as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced Quality Payment Program, which added incentives to support transition from Fee-For-Service to Value-Based-Care.

Most physician’s knowledge of their compensation model is extremely limited, leading to disadvantages in understanding and negotiating contracts. Additionally, institutions, especially in academics, are facing challenges to implement fair-value compensation models, which are fiscally sustainable and market adoptable during this transition period, without compromising clinical programs. An in-depth, transparent discussion is needed to address these challenges.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the basics of RVU and its traditional role in physician compensation.
• Highlight elements of physician compensation models and discuss associated challenges, especially in academic institutions.
• Highlight select elements of value-based health care systems and improve our understanding of an evolving health care.

Moderator
Amir Mian, MD MBA

RVU 101 - What Physicians and APPs Needs to Know
Timothy Griffin, MD

Methodology to Build Physician Compensation Models; Challenges in Times of Transition
Christian Thomas, MD

Value Based Payment Models – The Presumed Future of Medicine; How it Affects Compensation
G. David Cronan, MBA

• Small Program SIG Business Meeting
• Well-Being SIG Business Meeting

Hemoglobinopathies SIG
Speakers: SIG leaders Kerry Morrone, MD, Titilope Fasipe, MD PhD, Dana LeBlanc, MD and Melissa Frei-Jones, MD MSCI FAAP
Description: The SIG meeting will focus on business for the coming year including sharing the results of the practice survey completed recently.

Integrative PHO SIG

Learn more.

• DEI SIG Business Meeting

• Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) SIG
• Clinical Immunology SIG
• Global SIG

Join one of these sessions and interact with a recognized expert on a challenging diagnostic and management issue. Each session is scheduled for 1 hour and will include a 15-20 minute presentation by the expert on their general approach to the clinical problem followed by small group discussion of additional cases shared by the attendees.

Advanced registration is required. Seating is limited to 30. The registration fee is $25.

(CC1) Palliative Care
Jessica A. Casas, MD MPH

(CC2) Sickle Cell Disease
Michael R. DeBaun, MD MPH

(B7) Update on Medical Management of Sickle Cell Disease (Live Stream)

For decades pediatric hematologists have had limited therapeutic options for medical management of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). This has changed dramatically in recent years after FDA approval of three new agents for the management of SCD - L-glutamine in 2017, and crizanlizumab and voxelotor in 2019. Due to this rapid increase in therapeutic options, pediatric hematologists would benefit from additional guidance and discussion on how to incorporate these agents into their current practice. This session will use clinical cases to illustrate the utility of crizanlizumab, voxelotor, and L-glutamine for pediatric patients with SCD in different circumstances.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the clinical utility, side effects, and appropriate monitoring of crizanlizumab, voxelotor, and L-glutamine for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease.
• Discuss appropriate adjuvant agents for three pediatric patients with sickle cell disease in varied clinical scenarios.
• Review preliminary safety and efficacy data from ongoing clinical trials from other disease-modifying therapies in the pipeline for SCD.

Presenters:

• Caitlin Neri, MD (moderator)
• Nirmish Shah, MD
• Alecia Nero, MD
• Sherif M. Badawy, MD

(B8) Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Tumorigenesis, Treatment, and Risk of Relapse

The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of the cells and matrix that surround cancer cells. It is composed of cells of the immune, nervous, and vascular systems, the cells of the surrounding tissue, the extracellular matrix, and all of the molecules secreted by these cells. Cancer cells interact with the TME in a bidirectional manner via direct contact and soluble factors. In this way, the TME impact tumor cell proliferation, senescence, metastatic potential, and chemoresistance. And in return, tumor cells have the ability to manipulate the TME to favor immune evasion, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the myriad of ways in which elements of the tumor microenvironment impact cancer cells.
• Understand the bidirectional nature of interaction between the TME and cancer cells.
• Appreciate how a better understanding of the TME can be harnessed to develop novel treatment strategies.

Presenters:

• Jessica Heath, MD (moderator)
• Elias Sayour, MD PhD
• Shahab Asgharzadeh, MD
• Steven Mittelman, MD PhD

(B9) Big Databases Bring New Insights

With the advent of technology, electronic health information is more available than ever before. Much of this information is being combined into large databases that allow analysis with much bigger samples sizes than can normally be captured and if analyzed properly can lead to new insights. This session will seek to educate attendees about existing database opportunities and describe how to get started if they want to use them. Additionally, it will give a framework for how to analyze this type of data and will describe the strength and weaknesses of this type of research.

Learning Objectives

• Describe and give practical advice on how to leverage large databases to answer important questions in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Describe the development of the recently formed Pediatric Cancer Data Commons (PCDC) and opportunities for attendees to use it.
• Critically describe the benefits of using administrative databases and discuss their limitations and highlight different analysis approaches that can be used when analyzing big data.

Moderator
Adam J. Esbenshade, MD MSCI

Moderator
Colin Moore, MD

Leveraging the Pediatric Cancer Data Commons for Research
Sam Volchenboum, MD PhD

How to Analyze Big Data Obtained from Electronic Health Records
Staci D. Arnold, MD MBA MPH

Leveraging the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) Database to Answer Important Questions
Sarah O’Brien, MD

Oncology: Lab-based/Translational

This session will consist of four 15-minute presentations of scientific research from selected lab-based/translational related abstracts in oncology.

Moderators: Jessica Heath, MD and Chris Porter, MD

(2005) DEFINING THERAPEUTIC VULNERABILITIES OF PERSISTER CELLS IN HIGH-RISK NEUROBLASTOMA
Liron Grossmann, MD

(2006) ARMED ONCOLYTIC ADENOVIRUS AS EXPERIMENTAL THERAPY FOR PEDIATRIC MALIGNANT GLIOMAS
Sumit Gupta, MD

(2007) NOVEL THERAPY FOR CYTARABINE-RESISTANT AML UTILIZING THE COMBINATION OF AZD5991 AND ONC213
Eman Al-Antary, MD

(2008) ENRICHMENT OF HIGH-RISK INNATE IMMUNE CELLS IN HISPANIC AND BLACK CHILDREN WITH B-ALL
Kavita Dhodapkar, MBBS

View the abstracts here.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

Oncology/HSCT/CT: Clinical, Outcomes (Live Stream)

This session will consist of four 15-minute presentations of scientific research from selected clinical and outcomes based abstracts in oncology/HSCT/CT.

Moderators: Meret Henry, MD and Colin Moore, MD

(2009) MTHFR POLYMORPHISMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DECREASED METHOTREXATE TOLERANCE IN PEDIATRIC ALL
Connor Hall, MD PhD

(2010) REAL-WORLD OUTCOMES FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AGED <3 YEARS WITH R/R ALL TREATED WITH TISAGENLECLEUCEL
Erin Guest, MD

(2011) SCD25 AND FERRITIN LEVELS BEST DISTINGUISH CHILDREN WITH HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS
Bethany Verkamp, MD

(2012) THE IMPACT OF TIME-TO-ANTIBIOTIC DELIVERY IN PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS WITH FEBRILE NEUTROPENIA
Adam J. Esbenshade, MD MSCI

View the abstracts here.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

Hematology - Sickle Cell Disease

This session will consist of four 15-minute presentations of scientific research from selected sickle cell related abstracts.

Moderators: Sherif Badawy, MD and Rochelle Maxwell, MD

(2013) THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF HYDROXYUREA FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Mauricio Rodriguez, PharmD MS BCPS BCCCP BCIDP

(2014) EARLY HYDROXYUREA USE MAY BE NEUROPROTECTIVE IN CHILDREN WITH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
Kristine Karkoska, MD MS

(2015) SURGICAL REVASCULARIZATION REDUCES STROKE RISK IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE AND MOYAMOYA SYNDROME
Philipp Aldana, MD

(2016) THE CLINICAL RESPIRATORY SCORE: ASSESSING ACUTE CHEST SYNDROME SEVERITY RISK IN SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Shaniqua Johnson, MD

View the abstracts here.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

ASPHO’s annual business meeting allows attendees to learn more about the Society’s progress toward meeting the goals of its strategic plan, as well as learn about the Society’s financial health. Additionally, outgoing Board members and committee chairs are recognized, a report is presented from the Pediatric Blood & Cancer Journal editor, and the 5K Fun Run winners are recognized.

Speakers:

Tom Coates, MD
Keck School of Medicine
University of Southern California

Janet Kwiatkowski, MD
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Learn more.

Learn more.

Cancer Predisposition SIG

Hospitalist Medicine SIG
Introduction to Hospitalist Medicine
Speakers: Jason Freedman, MD MSCE, Liza-Marie Johnson, MD MPH MSB
Description: Discussion will include an Introduction to Hospitalist Medicine SIG, ‘What is a Hospitalist?’ Overview, Hospitalist Medicine: A Needs Assessment, and information about the SIG membership, and upcoming meetings.

Palliative Care SIG

Quality Improvement and Patient Safety SIG
Evaluating safety events and opportunities for improvement
Speakers: Natalie Bezler, MD; Joanna Grossman, MD; Meghan Drayton Jackson, DO, MBOE, CPPS; Christine Smith, MD
Description: Connect with other ASPHO attendees interested in and doing quality and safety work at their institution. As a group, we’ll discuss cases and tools that can be used in evaluation of safety events. We’ll also hold a brief business meeting to help with next steps for the SIG.

ASPHO will present the Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship, funded by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. The award will recognize an individual who has translated research findings into intervention-based approaches and/or has made outstanding contributions to the clinical care of survivors of childhood cancer.

Funded by: Northwestern Mutual Foundation

The annual Frank A. Oski Memorial Lectureship Award gives us an opportunity to remember and honor Dr. Oski and his many contributions to the field of pediatric hematology/oncology. It is awarded to an outstanding clinical or laboratory investigator in pediatric hematology/oncology whose cutting-edge research has significantly impacted the field. This year's lectureship will be presented by Yael Mossé, MD PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

(B10) Challenges of AML CAR T-cell Therapy in Children and Young Adults
Despite intensive therapies, most patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will not be cured. Given the remarkable success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), we and other investigators are developing CAR and other novel adoptive cell therapies for children and young adults with relapsed/refractory AML. This session will focus on the earliest experiences with CAR T-cell therapy in AML to date, providing a bench-to-bedside overview of the current status and challenges of this new frontier in immunotherapy.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the pre-clinical efforts in AML adoptive cell therapy and understand the challenges in selection of target antigens.
• Discuss limitations of CAR T-cell efficacy in AML and summarize future directions to overcome potential efficacy barriers.
• Identify barriers to enrollment on and practical challenges for implementation of AML CAR T-cell clinical trials for children and young adults with relapsed/refractory AML.

Moderator
Richard Aplenc, MD PhD

AML CAR development Challenges: Making an AML targeted CAR
Paulina Velasquez, MD

AML Directed CAR T-cells: The Next Frontier
Nirali Shah, MD MHSc

Trials and Tribulations for Enrollment on Phase I AML CAR Trials
Ruyan Rahnama-Hazaveh, MD

(B11) Review and Update of Fertility for the Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist - Oncofertility Issues (Live Stream)
Fertility preservation is an important issue for the pediatric hematologist/oncologist both in their own family planning and to help guide the counseling and recommendations for patients under their care. Providers are often not familiar with latest information regarding fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technology with the overlay of the challenges of navigating timing, insurance, financial and emotional implications.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the current standard of care for fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technology.
• Identify advances in emerging fertility preservation techniques in oncology patients and discuss the significance and barriers to implementation in a clinical setting.

Presenters:

• Catherine McGuinn, MD (moderator)
• Sarah Cooper, PA-C (moderator)
• Natasha N. Frederick, MD, MPH, MST
• Stephanie Cizek, MD

(B12) Leading Anti-Racist Teams, a Hands-On Communications Workshop
Leading Anti-Racist Teams, a Hands-On Communications Workshop
Last year refocused attention on the unequal treatment of Americans caused by racism. Outcries against police brutality blossomed into pledges from hospitals to become anti-racist. These proclamations have mixed impact on the culture on the ward, clinic, or cafeteria, but individuals can inspire big changes in these environments. Many leaders want to speak out against racist comments or microaggressions, but hesitate for a multitude of reasons. Using sickle cell disease as a model, this session will help develop strategies to lead anti-racist teams, reflect on personal biases, and practice speaking up to create a safe environment for all.

Learning Objectives

• Articulate several challenges with and benefits of speaking out against microaggressions in the interpersonal setting to have big impacts on the clinical and team environment.
• Develop a toolkit of strategies to lead anti-racist conversations and to have practiced saying these words out loud.
• Recognize one’s own biases and frustrations and feel empowered to lead a debrief with others about their biases or frustrations.

Presenters:

• Caitlin Neri, MD (moderator)
• Alexandra Power-Hays, MD
• Patrick McGann, MD MS

(B13) Rare Lymphomas: Diagnosis and Management
Rare lymphomas are challenging to diagnose and often have no standard of care defined. Practitioners at both large institutions and small institutions will benefit from learning the new advances in therapeutic options for rare lymphomas. Pathologists play a large role in making the diagnosis of rare lymphomas, or their mimickers and learning the standard diagnostic approach and diagnostic criteria are essential and often not straightforward. Mimickers of rare lymphomas often are referred to hematology and oncology to rule out malignancy and understanding diagnosis and referral guidelines are crucial.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the diagnostic criteria for many types of rare lymphomas.
• Discuss the standard therapeutic approaches for the most common of the rare lymphomas as well as the newest advances from therapeutic trials.

Presenters:

• Jaime Stokke, MD (moderator)
• Rodney Miles, MD PhD
• Amanda Termuhlen, MD

(B14) Immunohematology: A Multidisciplinary Model (Live Stream)
Pediatric hematologists often care for patients with autoimmune cytopenias (i.e., immune thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune neutropenia). In general, these conditions are self-limiting, with encouraging prognoses. However, there is a subset of patients with atypical clinical markers who are challenging diagnostically and to manage. Often such patients are diagnosed with Evans Syndrome or common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), however with ongoing developments in molecular diagnostic techniques, novel disorders continue to be better understood leading to more specific expectations and care of patients. This session will use clinical cases to present evaluation and management strategies of these patients using a multidisciplinary approach.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the field of Immunohematology, and the pathophysiology of immune-mediated cytopenias.
• Discuss and identify patients appropriate for a comprehensive Immunohematology approach, including the benefits of precision medicine.
• Discuss a multidisciplinary approach to evaluation and management including proposed algorithms to follow.

Moderator
Sherif M. Badawy, MD

Pathophys
Allison Remiker, MD

Evaluation Strategies
Ashish Kumar, MD PhD

Management
Melissa Rose, MD

(B15) 'I don't want my child to be a guinea pig': Navigating Communication about Pediatric Oncology Clinical Trials
Communication between pediatric oncologists and patients and families about clinical trial enrollment can be complex and challenging. Clinicians rarely receive training on communication strategies to optimize family comprehension and comfort with participation or non-participation in pediatric cancer clinical trials. Historically, oncologists have viewed communication regarding clinical trial as a single informed consent discussion, yet this approach leads to decreased patient and family understanding of study goals and trial design and decreased satisfaction with enrollment. In this session, participants will learn a continual consent approach to clinical trial discussions and techniques to facilitate shared decision-making.

Learning Objectives

• Review communication complexities intrinsic to pediatric oncology clinical trial discussions, perceived barriers to communication about clinical trials, and evidence-based paradigms for optimizing informed consent.
• Discuss additional challenges faced by vulnerable patient populations such as phase 1 study participants, adolescent and young adult, and patients and families in historically excluded or minoritized groups.
• Employ practical strategies to implement shared decision-making models for enhanced communication surrounding clinical trial enrollment.

Presenters:

• Andrea Cuviello (moderator)
• Lindsay Blazin, MD
• Quimverly Guzman
• Jamie Hughes

Speaker:

Nirmish Shah, MD
Duke University School of Medicine
Durham, NC

Learn more.

ASPHO will provide two poster tours during exhibit hours. The Conference Planning Committee selected five highly ranked posters that will be included in a 30-minute tour for all interested attendees. Authors of these selected posters will provide a brief overview of their research and answer attendees’ questions.

Attendees should meet in the back of Exhibit Hall and look for a staff member holding a Poster Tour sign. Don’t miss the opportunity to receive a quick overview of top-rated abstracts!

Speaker:

Sharif M. Badawy, MD, MS
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Learn more.

Speaker:

Caroline Hastings, MD
Director, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program, Pediatric NeuroOncology
Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department - Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland
Professor of Pediatrics - University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

Learn more.

(C16) Challenging Hematology Consults
Providers are often faced with a wide variety of challenging hematology consults. This session will explore acute, chronic bleeding and thrombosis risk consults hematologists may face and the diagnostic dilemmas that each present.

In acute care settings, critically ill patients develop or are at risk for thrombosis, and commonly develop thrombocytopenia. Anticoagulation can put patients at additional bleeding risk.  We will review the strategies for evaluation, differential diagnoses, and management of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in the critically ill patient.

In the outpatient clinic, the hematologists are often referred patients with chronic thrombocytopenia. The evaluation and understanding of chronic thrombocytopenia have improved considerably over the past several years with increasing availability of genetic testing. We will provide an update on chronic and inherited thrombocytopenia evaluation and management.

Understanding a patients’ thrombosis risk is important in patients on hormone therapies. Transgender adults undergoing gender-affirming hormone therapy may be at risk of hematologic issues, such as thrombosis or erythrocytosis, however the risk in adolescents and young adults are not well-known. Pediatric Hematologists may be consulted to assess these risks and we will explore the current understanding for this patient population.

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to manage thrombosis in patients with thrombotic risk and thrombocytopenia
• Describe the genetic conditions associated with thrombocytopenia
• Understand the hematologic complications of gender transition

Moderator
Clifford Takemoto, MD

Diagnosing Chronic Thrombocytopenia: Update on Genetics of Inherited Thrombocytopenia
Michele Lambert, MD MSTR

Managing Thrombotic Risk in Patients with Thrombocytopenia
Ruchika Goel, MD

Hematologic Issues in Transgender Individuals
Lydia Harley Pecker, MD

(C17) What's on the Horizon for HLH?
To optimize patient outcomes, pediatric hematologists and oncologists must promptly recognize and manage hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a diverse group of severe hyperinflammatory disorders. The protean clinical and laboratory manifestations are triggered by a vast array of underlying disorders such as infection, malignancy, inborn errors of immunity, and autoimmunity, and require that practicing clinicians possess a basic knowledge of the diagnostic evaluation and management of HLH. This session will explore interactive examples of HLH and discuss the use of emerging biologic agents and cellular therapeutic approaches relevant for the practicing pediatric hematologist/oncologist.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the salient aspects of HLH including the clinical and laboratory manifestations and the underlying triggers.
• Discuss the use and rationale of novel approaches to therapy, such as biologic agents (e.g., emapalumab, IL-18 Binding Protein) and small molecule inhibitors (e.g., JAK inhibitors) in the treatment of HLH.
• Illustrate key aspects (e.g., patient selection, timing, approach) of the application of novel cellular therapeutic approaches in the management of HLH such as reduced intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and preclinical data focusing on autologous gene modified hematopoietic cell transplantation in HLH.

The Dawn: Shining Light on what Practitioners Need to Know about HLH
Melissa J. Rose, DO

Understanding the Diverse Spectrum of Clinical and Laboratory Features of HLH and Associated Trigger
Ashish Kumar, MD PhD

Understanding the Immunology in Biologic Approaches in the Management of HLH
Edward M. Behrens, MD

Understanding the Immunology in Cellular Therapy Approaches for Management of HLH
Carl Allen, MD PhD

(C18) – Great Debates in Infection Management in Pediatric Oncology (Live Stream)
Prevention and management of infection in the pediatric oncology patient is a top priority and commonly encountered challenge. Infectious disease experts and oncologists often have disparate points of view regarding various aspects of management including antimicrobial prophylaxis in the setting of immunocompromise, hospital-based preventative measures against central line infections and duration and setting of empiric antimicrobial management of febrile neutropenia. There are few clear guidelines on these topics and practices varies widely by institution. Pediatric oncologists would benefit from critical discussion and examination of the evidence relating to these topics in order to optimize patient care and outcomes.

Learning Objectives

• Review the evidence supporting initiation, duration, and therapeutic setting of empiric antibiotics for febrile neutropenia in pediatric oncology patients.
• Review the evidence regarding empiric initiation of antimicrobial prophylaxis for certain groups of pediatric oncology patients.
• Review the evidence for various strategies used to prevent central line associated bacterial infections in the hospital setting.
• Highlight the distinction between the clinical trial setting and real-world evidence and understand how this informs clinical practice.

Presenters:

• Adam J. Esbenshade, MD MSCI (moderator)
• Brian T. Fisher, DO MPH MSCE
• Rachel Wattier, MD MHS
• Sarah Alexander, MD

Speaker:

Richard Drachtman, MD
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Newark, NJ

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The extraordinary advances in molecular medicine over the last decades have led to new therapeutics that are significantly changing the landscape of pediatric hematology oncology. From genome editing to cellular therapies and biologicals, these novel therapies hold promise in finally curing fatal and debilitating diseases such as cancer, sickle cell disease and hemophilia. The 2022 ASPHO Presidential Symposium will discuss these new approaches to old diseases.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain knowledge on the use of cell therapies in pediatric cancer.
• Informed on the available genome editing technologies and clinical trials in sickle cell disease.
• Learn the novel therapies used to treat hemophilia.

Moderator
Jorge Di Paola, MD

Harnessing the Immune System to Cure Cancer
Stephan A. Grupp, MD PhD

Editing the Genome to Cure Sickle Cell Disease
Julie Kanter, MD

Genetic Therapies to Cure Hemophilia
Steven Pipe, MD

Speaker:

Joel Weinthal, MD
Texas Oncology Pediatrics
Medical City Children’s Hospital
Dallas, TX

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Speaker:

Kelly Vallance, MD, MPH
Cook Children’s Medical Center
Fort Worth, TX

Learn more.

Speaker:

Scott Howard, MD, MSc
University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC)
Memphis, TN

Learn more.

Learn more.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Robert J. Arceci Innovation Award was established in loving memory of Robert J. Arceci, MD PhD.

Mads Daugaard, PhD and Adam Shlien, PhD, the 2019 award recipients, will present the outcomes of their research.

Dr. Mads Daugaard will discuss novel discoveries and therapeutic opportunities in childhood sarcomas based on specific targeting of cancer-specific glycosaminoglycans.

Learning objective:

• Highlight novel findings on the regulation, expression, and targeting of oncofetal glycosaminoglycans in sarcoma

Dr. Adam Shlien will discuss his labs work showing the early origins and evolution of childhood cancer.

Learning objective:

• Understand how genome-wide mutational signatures reveal the processes and etiology of childhood cancer as well as their changes at relapse.

(C19) Adoptive Cellular Therapy for Solid Tumors: Prior Experience, Challenges, and Potential for the Future
While adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies, ACT targeting solid tumors has had more limited success. Significant challenges in using ACT to treat patients with solid tumors include identification of safe, clinically relevant targets and optimization of strategies to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This session will provide an overview of clinical experience to date using ACT in solid tumors. We will also discuss proposed avenues to improve outcomes though identification of new antigens, as well as modification of cellular products and combination with agents which alter the tumor microenvironment to improve efficacy of immunotherapy.

Learning Objectives:

• Illustrate common toxicities observed with adoptive cellular therapies, including site-specific considerations, and principles of clinical management.
• Discuss the unique challenges to adoptive cellular therapy presented by solid tumor biology and potential strategies to address these challenges.
• Consider practical implications of design, implementation and interpretation of clinical trials using adoptive cell therapy for relapsed and refractory solid tumors.

Presenters:

• Elias Sayour, MD PhD
• John Ligon, MD
• Kristin Wessel, MD
• Sneha Ramakrishna, MD

C20 – Management of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients in the COVID-19 Era (Live Stream)
COVID-19, the disease caused by novel corona virus, SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are large knowledge deficits in our understanding of COVID-19 complication in pediatric patients, including coagulopathy and thrombosis. In addition, pediatric hematology/oncology providers need guidance on managing those who may be at high risk, including patients with sickle cell disease or those with immunosuppression due to treatment of oncologic conditions. This session will review the current understanding of COVID-19 risks in the children and the pediatric hematology/oncology population.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the presentation and pathology of COVID-19 associated coagulopathy.
• Know how to assess and manage thrombosis and thrombosis risk in patients with COVID-19.
• Know how to manage patient with Sickle cell disease and oncologic conditions with COVID-19.

Moderator
Clifford Takemoto, MD

COVID-19 in Patients with Malignancy
Emily Johnston, MD

Mechanisms of Coagulopathy in Acute COVID-19 Infection and MIS-C
David Teachey, MD

COVID-19 Thrombotic Risk in Children
Anjali Sharathkumar, MBBS MD MS

(C21) Moving the Needle: Equity in Academia
In medicine, diversity in both the workforce and leadership leads to increased diversity of thought, creativity, and innovation as well as improved patient outcomes. However, the persistence of inequity in academic medicine is well described and leads to decreased organizational diversity. Under-represented minorities make up a significant proportion of the workforce, yet still experience disproportionate obstacles to career advancement. This includes difficulties in attaining leadership positions, garnering speaking invitations, earning equal salary, and being successfully promoted. This session will provide an overview of the current state of the problem and will explore ways to move towards equity in academic medicine.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe visible versus invisible minorities.
• Understand how to measure diversity and progress in equity through objective measures.
• Integrate the knowledge of current inequities with tangible solutions in order to enact culture change.

Presenters:

• Jessica Heath, MD (moderator)
• Karen Effinger, MD (moderator)
• Nancy Spector, MD
• Naudia Lauder Jonassaint, MD
• Sylk Sotto, EDD MBA MPS

The Distinguished Career Award is presented annually by ASPHO to a senior physician or other professional who during his or her career has had a major impact on the subspecialty through some combination of research, education, patient care, and advocacy. This session celebrates Ching-Hon Pui, MD, this year’s winner, and is followed by a reception to congratulate him on the award.

Join one of these sessions and interact with a recognized expert on a challenging diagnostic and management issue. Each session is scheduled for 1 hour and will include a 15-20 minute presentation by the expert on their general approach to the clinical problem followed by small group discussion of additional cases shared by the attendees.

Advanced registration is required. Seating is limited to 30. The registration fee is $25.

(CC3) Management of Relapsed/Refractory T-cell ALL
David T. Teachey, MD

(CC4) Use of DOACs in Children
Rukhmi V. Bhat, MD

Joint: DEI, Small Program, and Well-Being SIGs Joint Meeting

Informatics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) SIG

Physician Scientist SIG
The future of physician scientists in current health care system
Speakers: scientists S. Dovat, C. Gowda
Description: The future of physician scientists in current health care system will be addressed through discussions on: Physician Scientist Professional Development and training the next generation of pediatric hematology/oncology physician scientists; Pediatric hematology/oncology physician scientists in current NIH funding climate; and Emerging research topics in pediatric hematology/oncology. The SIG will also hold its business meeting.

Vascular Anomalies SIG
Vascular Anomalies SIG – Activities and Updates
Leadership: Adrienne Hammill, MD PhD, Ionela Iacobas, MD, Taizo Nakano, MD, Sherry Bayliff, MD, Michael Jeng, MD
The meeting will provide updates from the education, practice, and research working groups about ongoing projects and brainstorm future ideas.

(D22) TAM and ML-DS - Current Challenges
Down syndrome (DS) children have a 150-fold increased risk of developing myeloid leukemia (ML-DS), accounting for 15% of pediatric AML. Approximately 10-30% of newborns with DS are diagnosed with transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM), which resolves spontaneously in the majority and 20% develop ML-DS during the first 4 years of life. GATA1 mutations in the blasts of TAM and ML-DS are concordant within the same individual. TAM and ML-DS offer a unique opportunity to understand the stepwise mechanisms in development of AML. Specific chemotherapy protocols for ML-DS have resulted in excellent outcomes, but relapsed disease continues to have dismal outcome.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the diagnosis and management of TAM
• Discuss the evolution to and treatment of ML-DS experience from A2971 and AAML0431

Moderator
Anupam Verma, MBBS MD

TAM Biology and Progression to ML-DS and Management
Johann Hitzler, MD

Clinical Management and Challenges for ML-DS; Experience and Early Successes with A2971 Protocol
Alan Gamis, MD MPH

Unique Chemo Sensitivity of ML-DS and How that led into Protocol AAML0431 and Relapse Outcomes
Jeffrey Taub, MD

(D23) Novel Blood Component Therapies in Pediatrics
New and modified traditional blood components are available and are frequently used in adult patients and internationally. We report on the evidence that is available in pediatrics regarding pathogen-reduced blood products (including solvent/detergent treated plasma and pathogen-reduced platelets) and blood alternatives, including fibrinogen concentrate. Given that pediatric hematology/oncology patients make up a large proportion of overall pediatric blood product use, we believe it is important to understand ways for providers to understand these new therapies.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss recent studies and literature, benefits, and risks of new therapies.
• Understand how the pathogen reduction process allows for products that are effective at reducing transfusion-related infections.

Speakers:

• Shannon C. Walker, MD
• Jennifer Andrews, MD

(D24) Can You Hear Me Now?: Cultivating a Culture of Respect, Value, and Appreciation within Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (Live Stream)
Achieving personal and professional wellness is challenging with the increased demand for productivity and “always on” mentalities. Often, initiatives focus on personal wellness, including mindfulness, mental health resources, healthy lifestyles, and self-motivation. Although personal wellness is important, institution-driven initiatives are also integral. Working within an institution that makes one feel valued and appreciated is critical. Self-promotion and being "heard" when not in a leadership position is fundamental to understanding one’s worth, mitigating burnout and achieving professional self-satisfaction. This session will discuss and provide tools for the promotion of institutional wellness to enhance our personal and professional fulfillment.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the current culture of institutional wellness and the various ways in which institutions are promoting their faculty (both academically and holistically), as well as furthering inclusion and diversity for providers to feel appreciated in their workplace.
• Provide tools for graceful self-promotion and methods to make one’s value known more widely within one’s institution value as a provider.
• Identify the ways in which providers can feel empowered to reach senior leadership in order to communicate their needs.

Moderators
Scott Moerdler, MD and Adit Tal, MD

Graceful Self-Promotion: The Art of Making One’s Value Known in a Respectful Yet Effective Way
Cristina R. Fernandez, MD MPH

Supporting Each Other: The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Cultivating Value and Appreciation
Kathleen M. Sakamoto, MD PhD

View From the Top: Leadership Perspective in Developing a Culture of Value and Respect
Jeffrey S. Dome, MD PhD

Children's Oncology Group (COG) (Live Stream)

This session will consist of three-20 minute presentations of high impact results, promising studies or other initiatives recently presented at COG meetings.

Moderators: Karen E. Effinger, MD and Andrew Walter, MD

(2017) Germ Cell Tumors
A. Lindsay Frazier, MD

(2018) Osteosarcoma
Katie Janeway, MD MMSc

(2019) Myeloid Leukemia
E. Anders Kolb, MD

Objectives

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

Hematology Science as presented at the 2021 ASH Annual Congress

This session will consist of four-15 minute presentations of hematology science as presented at the 2021 ASH Annual Meeting.

Moderators: Valerie I. Brown, MD PhD and Sherif Badawy, MD

(2020) Standardizing the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach to Newly Diagnosed Children with ITP: An ITP Consortium of North America (ICON) Quality Improvement Initiative
Alexander Rankin, MD

(2021) Evaluating Age as an Independent Risk Factor for Serious Bacterial Illness in Febrile Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Leya Y. Schwartz, MD

(2022) The Role of PF4 Antibodies in Pediatric Sars-Cov-2 Infections
Michele Lambert, MD MSTR

Objectives

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

Luminary Investigator, Dr. David Malkin, will present "Pediatric Precision Oncology: More than the Genome" followed by four 15-minute presentations on scientific research from selected oncology related abstracts.

Moderators: Jessica Heath, MD and Jamie Stokke, MD

(2024) SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM & THE IMPACT ON A HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY SERVICE
Julia Vandenheuvel, MD

(2025) TARGETING CD70 USING CAR-NK CELLS TO ENHANCE NK CELLS CYTOLYTIC EFFECT AGAINST OSTEOSARCOMA
Emily Rav, DO

(2026) COMBINATION AURORA KINASE A AND CDK2 INHIBITION IN RHABDOMYOSARCOMA
Raya Saab, MD    

(2027) INCREASED MORBIDITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH INITIAL PARTIAL SHAVE BIOPSY OF PEDIATRIC MELANOCYTIC TUMORS
Akshaya Arjunan, MD

View the abstracts here.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

Luminary Investigator, Dr. Robert Montgomery, will provide a 15-minute presentation followed by four 15-minute presentations on scientific research from selected hematology related abstracts.

Moderators: Sherif Badawy, MD and Clifford Takemoto, MD

(2028) PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN PEDIATRIC SICKLE CELL DISEASE
Natasha Bala, MD

(2029) THE EFFECT OF HEMOGLOBIN ON OXIDATION OF HMGB1 AND PLATELET ACTIVATION
Deirdre Nolfi-Donegan

(2030) STANDARDIZED THROMBOPROPHYLAXIS PROTOCOL IN MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN
Roma Rajput, MD

(2031) CRISPR TARGETING OF SBDS IN MAMMALIAN CELL LINES REVEAL INCREASED TP53/CDKN1A AND SLOW GROWTH
Nikki Agarwal, MD

View the abstracts here.

Objectives

• Discuss new approaches related to diagnosis and treatment in pediatric hematology/oncology.
• Examine current research outcomes from a variety of the latest in basic and clinical research.

Advanced practice providers (APPs) within hematology-oncology face many challenges when beginning their careers or transitioning to a new specialty. One of the most difficult challenges is the lack of specialty-specific training, especially in the seemingly increasingly specialized fields of hematology and oncology. In order to better prepare APPs for the specialty workforce, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of the most common hematologic and oncologic disorders.

Learning Objectives:

• Enhance knowledge and provide evidence-based management of complex and challenging disorders in medical oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant.
• Provide sub-specialty training needed to prepare APPs to deliver high-quality care.

Moderator
Sara Graciaa, CPNP

Hematology Fundamentals and Case Studies
Susan Kirk, PA-C

Recent Advancements in the Treatment of Pediatric Acute Leukemias
Lesley Arland, MS PA-C

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Fundamentals for the Advanced Practice Provider
Michelle Skinner, PNP