Schedule at a Glance

Tuesday, April 28

7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium Meeting

Wednesday, April 29

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Corporate Lunch Symposium (CME): ReiNFrcing Care Pathways in NF1-PN: Collaborative Solutions With MEKi Therapy & Shared-Care Models for Improving Outcomes Across the Patient Journey

Corporate Lunch Symposium (Non-CME): Title Pending

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm

Opening Session with Selected Abstract Presentations

Plenary Abstract Presentations

Two of the highest-rated abstracts will be presented.

Young Investigator Award Presentations

The ASPHO Young Investigator Award formally recognizes excellence in research in pediatric hematology/oncology. The award provides funding for two deserving young investigators to attend the ASPHO Conference and present their abstract as an oral presentation.

2:15 pm – 3:00 pm

Educational/Scientific Sessions

ASPHO/PTCTC - Tiny Tenants, Big Impact: The Pediatric Microbiome's Role in Transplant and Cellular Therapy Outcomes
What in the World? Updates on Global Sickle Cell Disease
No One Ever Told Me That! Discussing Survivorship Across the Cancer Trajectory

2:15 pm – 6:15 pm

Division Director Academy

Advance registration and fee required. Sponsored by: Children's Cancer Research Fund

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Networking Break with top-rated posters

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

Educational/ Scientific Sessions

Contemporary Epidemiology of Renal Tumors in Children and Young Adults Enrolled on a COG Classification and Banking Study: Translation to Clinical Practice
'To Be, Or Not To Be?' - Differential Diagnosis and Mimickers of Vascular Anomalies
From Dual Autoimmunity to Systemic Chaos: Beyond Evans Syndrome

5:15 pm – 6:00 pm

First-time Attendee and New Member Reception

Join fellow new members and first-time attendees during this opportunity to connect and network. Learn about the Society's special interest groups at the SIG Meet & Greet and connect with fellow residents and medical students at the Resident/Student Meet-Up – both of which will take place during the reception.

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Clinical Conundrums

Attend a clinical conundrum session and interact with a recognized expert on a challenging diagnostic and management issue. The session will include a 15-20 minute presentation followed by a small group discussion of additional cases shared by the attendees.

Refractory ITP*
Blinatumomab*

*Advanced registration and fee required. Seating is limited to 35 attendees.

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Corporate Dinner Symposium (CME): Title Pending

Thursday, April 30

6:30 am – 8:00 am

Corporate Satellite Symposia (non-CME): von Willebrand disease- prophylaxis for all

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Clinical Conundrums

Iron Overload*
Brain Tumors - ATRT*

*Advanced registration and fee required. Seating is limited to 35 attendees.

Special Interest Group Meetings

7:30 am – 8:15 am

Networking with continental breakfast and top-rated posters

8:15 am – 9:30 am

General Session

Making an Impact: Opportunities for Effective Advocacy

9:45 am – 11:00 am

Educational/Scientific Sessions

More Than Survival: Closing Sexual and Reproductive Health Gaps in AYA Oncology
Immunotherapy Unleashed: CAR T Innovations and Vaccine Combos Taking on Refractory Solid/CNS Tumors
Addressing Ambulatory Patient Safety Challenges in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Patients

11:10 am – 11:50 am

ASPHO Business Meeting

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Early Career Roundtable Luncheon

Corporate Satellite Symposia: (non-CME): Type II RAF inhibitor for patients with BRAF-altered relapsed/refractor pediatric low gradeglioma (pLGG)

Corporate Satellite Symposia: Title Pending

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Special Interest Group Meetings

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Selected Abstract Presentations

2:45 pm – 3:45 pm

Early Career Travel Stipend and Advanced Practice Provider Travel Stipend Award Announcements

The Early Career Travel Stipend Award was established to provide funding for deserving young investigators to attend the ASPHO Conference, present their work, and introduce them to the many benefits of ASPHO programming and networking. Through the generous support of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, travel support and complimentary conference registration will be awarded to up to five individuals.

The Advanced Practice Provider Travel Award was established to provide funding for a deserving advanced practice provider to attend the ASPHO Conference, present their work, and introduce them to the many benefits of ASPHO programming and networking. Through the generous support of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, up to $2,000 un travel support will be awarded.

George R. Buchanan Lectureship Award Presentation

The George R. Buchanan Lectureship is presented in honor of Dr. Buchanan and to assure that future generations of pediatric hematology/oncology specialists are aware of his significant contributions to ASPHO and the field. Dr. Buchanan has made scientific contributions in many areas of pediatric hematology and oncology; and among his many attributes, he has been recognized as an outstanding teacher and mentor. He served as Past President of the Society and founded and developed the ASPHO Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Review Course, a premier education offering for the field.

The award recognizes a national/international expert in pediatric hematology/oncology who has significant research, education and clinical expertise, and is recognized as an accomplished educator and committed mentor.

The 2026 George R. Buchanan recipient is Kim E. Nichols, MD, from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Exhibit Hall Opening (with exhibits and posters)

Education Theater: Title Pending

4:45 pm – 6:00 pm

Educational/Scientific Sessions

Redesigning Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Education for Today's Active Learners
Treatment Strategies for Lymphomas in Children with Inborn Errors of Immunity and Acquired Immunodeficiency Disorders
Ironing Out the Details: Navigaiting Iron Deficiency from Biology to Clinical Management at the Cutting Edge

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Reception with Exhibits and Posters

Odd-numbered Author-attended Poster Session
Education Theater: Title Pending

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Fellowship Program Directors Dinner Meeting

Corporate Satellite Symposia: (CME) Pediatric VWD in Focus: Pathophysiology, Therapy, and Real-World Practice

Friday, May 1

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Continental Breakfast with Exhibits and Posters

Education Theater: Title Pending
Odd-numbered Author-attended Poster Session

8:00 am – 9:15 am

Oncology Luminary Presentation with Selected Abstract Presentations

Luminary Speaker: Julie Park, MD, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Hematology Luminary Presentation with Selected Abstract Presentations

Luminary Speaker: Tom Coates, MD, Children's Hospital Los Angeles

9:15 am – 10:15 am

Networking Break with Exhibits and Posters in Exhibit Hall

Education Theater: Title Pending
Even-numbered Author-attended Poster Session

10:15 am – 11:15 am

Educational/Scientific Sessions

The EVOLVing Landscape of Lineage Switch
Fault Lines in the Frontline: Quantitative and FUnctional Neutrophil Defects
Redefining the Core: Hospitalists and APP's in a New Era of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Inpatient Care

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship Announcement

Professionals who focus on survivorship have chosen to devote considerable effort to helping pediatric cancer survivors live full and healthy lives. To honor the efforts of these exceptional investigators, Northwestern Mutual is proud to partner with ASPHO in awarding the Northwestern Mutual Award for Excellence in Childhood Cancer Survivorship, which will annually recognize an ASPHO member for their outstanding contributions dedicated to this segment of the pediatric hematology/oncology field.

The Northwestern Mutual Award will honor a mid-career (8-15 years post-fellowship) childhood cancer survivorship investigator who has demonstrated his or her commitment to this segment of the field through a growing portfolio of research and project funding, while accelerating in his or her output and gaining prominence. The $10,000 honorarium will help augment the investigator’s current work to enhance the lives of childhood cancer survivors through innovative projects.

This year’s recipient is Karen Effinger, MD MS from the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Frank A. Oski Memorial Lectureship Award Presentation

The Frank A. Oski Memorial Lectureship is presented in honor of Dr. Oski's many contributions to the field of pediatric hematology/oncology and to ensure a younger generation of pediatric hematology/oncology specialists remain aware of his legacy. The lectureship is awarded to an outstanding clinical or laboratory investigator in pediatric hematology/oncology whose cutting-edge research is of the caliber of the investigations made by Dr. Oski.

This year’s recipient, Vijay Sankaran, MD PhD from Boston Children's Hospital & Harvard Medical School.

12:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Lunch with Exhibits and Posters in the Exhibit Hall

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm

Education Theater:

Education Theater:Title Pending

12:45 pm – 1:20 pm

Speed Mentoring Session I

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Even-numbered Author Attended Poster Session

1:30 pm – 2:05 pm

Speed Mentoring Session II

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Education Theater: Title Pending

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Educational/Scientific Sessions

MEK Inhibitors in Pediatric Oncology: Updates and Approvals
Stroke Prevention in Patients with SIckle Cell Disease and Moyamoya Syndrome: Review of Emerging Treatment Strategies
Pediatric Hypereosinophilic SYndrome and Mast Cell DIsorders: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Roadmap

3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

Maria Velez, MD - Presidential Symposium: Addressing Financial Distress in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology: Implications for Cancer, Sickle Cell Disease, and Survivorship

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Distinguished Career Award Presentation and Reception

The Distinguished Career Award is presented annually 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 year’s recipient is Peter E. Newburger, MD from UMass Chan Medical School.

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Special Interest Group Meetings

7:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Children's Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Invite Attendees to Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Join Children's Minnesota and the University of Minnesota at the Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Game at Target Field on Friday evening. Advance registration is required; space is limitied.

Saturday, May 2

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Special Interest Group Meetings

7:45 am – 8:30 am

Networking Break with Continental Breakfast

8:30 am – 9:45 am

Educational/Scientific Sessions

Collaborative Molecular Tumor Board: Translating Genomics to Clinical Care
Innovations at Hand: Leveraging Technology to Transform Care in Pediatric Hemoglobinopathies
Building Your Ethics Toolkit: Navigating Real-World Ethical Challenges in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology