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The 2025 ASPHO Conference

May 7-10, Louisville KY
Advancing Knowledge, Discovery and Collaboration

Schedule at a Glance

To plan your educational experience, view the 2025 ASPHO Conference Schedule at a Glance below.

Schedule is subject to change. All times are listed in Eastern time/local Louisville time.

Tuesday, May 6

7:00 am – 7:00 pm

Pediatric Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Consortium Meeting

Wednesday, May 7

7:30 am – 11:30 am

Pre-Conference Session: Practical Aspects of Caring for Patients with a Cancer Predisposition Syndrome

Advance registration and fee required.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Corporate Lunch Symposium (Non-CME): Unmet Needs in Children with von Willebrand Disease: The Case for Prophylaxis

Faculty: Veronica Flood, MD, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI
Fernando Corrales-Medina, MD, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
Robert F. Sidonio, MD, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia

Learning Objectives:

  1. Summarize the unmet needs of children with VWD, discuss the potential benefits of prophylaxis in this population, when to initiate prophylaxis, and explore why it is underused.
  2. Discuss recent data from clinical trials in children with VWD, demonstrating the benefits of prophylaxis for bleed control.

Supported by: Octapharma USA

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm

Welcome & 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 – 3:30 pm

Educational/Scientific Sessions

  • ASPHO/PTCTC Joint Session: Downs syndrome - Immune Dysregulation, Hyperinflammation, and Special Considerations for HCT and CAR-T
  • Championing Change: An Innovative Consult Services for Training Clinicians on Environmental Exposures and Risk for Childhood Cancer
  • Management of Disorders of Hemostasis

2:15 pm – 6:15 pm

Division Director Academy

Advance registration and fee required.

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Networking Break with top-rated posters

4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

Educational / Scientific Sessions

  • Blinatumomab: Everything you Need to Know Today and Possibilities for the Future
  • Quality Measures in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
  • Incorporating Fertility Preservation in the Treatment of Hemoglobinopathies (Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia)

5:15 pm – 6:00 pm

First-time Attendee and New Member Reception

Join fellow new members, first-time attendees, and international 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 by a recignized expert followed by a small group discussion of additional cases shared by the attendees.

  • Modern Therapeutics for Hemophilia*
  • Relapsed/Refractory Sarcomas*

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

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Corporate Dinner Symposium (CME): Optimizing Asparaginase Therapy: Navigating Evolving Clinical Challenges in Pediatric and AYA ALL for Improved Outcomes

Faculty: TBA

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss current efficacy evidence and unmet needs related to the optimized use of asparaginase in pediatric ALL, including the role of novel Erwinia asparaginase compounds
  • Devise strategies to address therapeutically relevant considerations related to asparaginase use for pediatric ALL such as appropriate dosing, pre-empting truncation/discontinuation, and drug-related toxicity
  • Implement monitoring protocols to identify hypersensitivity, silent inactivation, or toxicity in pediatric ALL and increase completion rates of asparaginase treatment
  • Evaluate current clinical evidence and expert recommendations for implementing pediatric-inspired therapeutic regimens for ALL into treatment plans for adolescents and young adults, understanding the place in therapy of asparaginase regimens in an evolving clinical landscape

Synopsis of the Program: Asparaginase therapies are a cornerstone treatment component of chemotherapy regimens for pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The clinical benefits derived from inclusion of asparaginase therapies is well established, and recent data and FDA approvals for asparaginase products with differing formulations and safety profiles are expanding treatment options for patients with ALL. Notably, the recent the FDA approval and updated safety labeling for asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi offers clinical benefits of novel dosing regimens, and provides a reliable treatment option for affected patients faced not only with the barrier of hypersensitivity but also with the manufacturing issues that have plagued native asparaginase E chrysanthemi (Erwinaze/Erwinase) and led to global shortages.

However, the optimal use of asparaginase therapy in pediatric and AYA patients with ALL is not without its challenges. The complexity of ALL requires a nuanced understanding of disease progression, and approach to treatment selection after hypersensitivity reactions to Escherichia coli–derived L-asparaginases. Furthermore, HCPs must be aware of strategies to mitigate treatment interruptions while mitigating serious toxicities associated with asparaginase therapy - which is critical to optimize patient outcomes. Lastly, in an evolving treatment landscape of ALL, updated therapeutic regimens and treatment guidelines including the emergence of immune-targeted therapies, pose challenges in treatment sequencing and understanding the place in therapy for asparaginase therapies.

Supported by: Provided by Clinical Care Options, LLC. Supported by an educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Thursday, May 8

6:30 am – 7:45 am

Corporate Satellite Symposia

7:00 am – 8:00 am

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 by a recignized expert followed by a small group discussion of additional cases shared by the attendees.

  • Curative Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease vs. Medical Management*
  • HLH*

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

Special Interest Group Meetings

  • Informatics, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE)
  • Palliative Care
  • Physician Scientist
  • Quality Improvement & Patient Care

7:30 am – 8:15 am

Networking with continental breakfast and top-rated posters

8:15 am – 9:15 am

Keynote Presentation

9:30 am – 10:45 am

Educational/Scientific Sessions

  • Skeletons in the Hematologist’s Closet: Navigating Bony Complications in Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia
  • Immune Regulatory Disorders for the Hematologist/Oncologist
  • Unraveling of DNA – Understanding Epigenetic Mechanisms of Gene Regulation in Pediatric Solid and CNS Tumors

11:00 am – 11:50 am

ASPHO Business Meeting

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Early Career Roundtable Luncheon

Corporate Satellite Symposia: MEK Inhibitors in Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Latest Advances and Real-World Applications in NF1-PN Management

Faculty: TBA

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify key characteristics of NF1 clinical presentation and disease advancement across the lifespan, including genetic etiology and multisystem pathophysiology of NF1, that impact early and accurate diagnosis.
  • Integrate MEK inhibitors in the management of NF1-associated PNs in pediatric patients.
  • Develop comprehensive care plans that include disease monitoring, managing toxicities, and personalized treatment for patients with NF1 across the lifespan.

Synopsis of the Program: This symposium will explore clinical trial data on targeted therapies for NF1-associated tumors, focusing on toxicity profiles and AE management. Real-world cases will highlight interprofessional strategies for patient assessment, education, emotional support, toxicity mitigation, and care transitions. Supported by: Creative Educational Concepts and supported by educational grants from Alexion and SpringWorks Therapeutics.

Supported by: Creative Educational Concepts and supported by educational grants from Alexion and SpringWorks Therapeutics.

12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

Special Interest Group Meetings

  • Advanced Practice Provider (APP)
  • Clinical Immunology
  • DEI
  • Global PHO

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Selected Abstract Presentations

2:45 pm – 3:45 pm

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 2025 George R. Buchanan recipient is James H. Feusner, MD from Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland. He will present a 35-minute lecture retrospective highlighting his career accomplishments and how mentoring and teaching played a role in that journey.

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

The Early Career Travel Stipend Awards 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. Up to five awards will be given per year.

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. Up to one award will be given per year.

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm

Exhibit Hall Opening (with exhibits and posters)

  • Education Theater

4:45 pm – 6:00 pm

Educational/Scientific Sessions

  • Supportive Care of Vascular Anomalies Beyond Pharmacotherapy
  • Emerging Horizons in Pediatric Clonal Hematopoiesis
  • Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Acquired Aplastic Anemia and PNH in Children and Adolescents

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Reception with Exhibits and Posters

  • Odd-numbered Author-attended Poster Session
  • Education Theater

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Fellowship Program Directors Dinner Meeting

Corporate Satellite Symposia

Friday, May 9

6:30 am – 7:45 am

Corporate Satellite Symposia

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Continental Breakfast with Exhibits and Posters

  • Education Theater

8:00 am – 9:15 am

Oncology Luminary Presentation with Selected Abstract Presentations 

Hematology Luminary Presentation with Selected Abstract Presentations

9:15 am – 10:15 am

Networking Break with Exhibits and Posters in Exhibit Hall

10:15 am – 11:15 am

Educational/Scientific Sessions

  • What’s Blood Got to Do with It? An Update on Transfusion Medicine Practices in Pediatric Patients
  • Rurality, Care Delivery, and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Oncology
  • Navigating Career Transitions from Fellowship to Retired and Everything in Between

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 Lucie Turcotte, MD MPH MS from the University of Minnesota.

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, Ayesha Zia, MD from UT Southwestern Medical Center will present a 35-minute state-of-the-art lecture describing her research and clinical management of patients.

12:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Lunch with Exhibits and Posters in the Exhibit Hall

  • Even-numbered Author Attended Poster Session
  • Education Theater

12:45 pm – 1:20 pm

Speed Mentoring Session I

1:30 pm – 2:05 pm

Speed Mentoring Session II

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Educational/Scientific Sessions

  • Practical Considerations for Pediatric DOAC Use
  • Emerging Immunotherapy Strategies for Pediatric Brain Tumors
  • Advanced Practice Providers in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology: Exploring APP Role Across a Career: From New Hire to Advanced Career

3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

Presidential Symposium: Innovation in PHO Practice Addressing Workforce Challenges

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 William L. Carroll from NYU Langone Medical Center.

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Special Interest Group Meetings

  • Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA)
  • Cancer Predisposition
  • Integrative PHO
  • Vascular Anomalies

Saturday, May 10

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Special Interest Group Meetings

  • Hemoglobinopathies (HGO)
  • Hospitalist Medicine
  • Small Programs
  • Well Being

7:30 am – 8:15 am

Networking Break

8:15 am – 9:30 am

Educational/Scientific Sessions

  • Recent Advances in Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
  • When N=1, Diagnosing and Treating Rare Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
  • Taboo Topics During End-of-Life Care: How to Respond to Uncomfortable Questions about Death and Dying

9:30 am – 10:00 am

Networking Break

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Children's Oncology Group (COG) – Committee Updates

Hematology Science Abstracts as presented at the 2024 ASH Annual Meeting

11:15 am – 12:30 pm

Educational/Scientific Sessions

  • Understanding Rare Lymphoproliferative Disorders: Castleman Disease, Rosai-Dorfman Disease and Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease
  • Development of Early-phase Pediatric Clinical Trials
  • Physical Activity Guidelines for Children with Cancer – Time to Make a Move

12:30 pm

Conference concludes

Learn more about the 2025 ASPHO Conference and registration information.