Chronic GVHD and Management of its Sequelae

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PROJECT SUMMARY We propose to organize and conduct the Tenth (10th) Annual Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Consortium (PTCTC) Meeting at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, TX, on May 09, 2023. A unique aspect of the Annual PTCTC Educational Meeting is that it is jointly held with the international American Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Conference (May 10–13, 2023) and includes a Combined Plenary Session, bringing pediatric hematology oncology professionals together from around the world. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for childhood hematological conditions. Advances in basic, translational, and clinical research have significantly increased the number of long-term survivors. The remarkable success is owed in part to the presentation, dissemination, and sharing of new knowledge at annual meetings. However, none is solely dedicated to pediatric HCT. A significant problem in the field is chronic graft- versus-host disease (cGVHD). Despite cure, cGVHD is the leading cause of late morbidity and mortality. With their longer life expectancy, a critical need exists to understand the etiology, prevention, development, and diagnosis, and systematically evaluate and monitor cGVHD in children. The 10th Annual PTCTC Educational Meeting will convene clinicians and scientists who will present on the immunologic mechanisms leading to the initiation and development of cGVHD. This will provide a platform that stimulates how to implement systematic cGVHD assessments in a busy clinical setting. In doing so, innovative clinical strategies can be developed and tested across multi-site collaborations and networks, including novel therapeutics for pediatric-specific cGVHD clinical trials. This 1-day program will invigorate the field of pediatric HCT. The primary objectives include I) identify optimal donor selection strategies that can be standardized and implemented irrespective of the treating institution; II) systematically conduct comprehensive cGVHD assessments that accurately classify individual organ and global organ severity at baseline and in follow-up irrespective of the evaluator; III) to review the ‘state of the science’ in cGVHD immunology and management of affected organ dysfunctions (e.g., pulmonary, ocular, vaginal); IV) to enhance the understanding of wellness, thereby maximizing long-term quality-of-life and survivorship of pediatric HCT patients; and V) to promote networking and collaboration of research and clinical24 trials involving pediatric HCT patients. The results of the 10th Annual PTCTC Educational Meeting will likely enhance our understanding of the basic, translational, and clinical state of the scientific research in pediatric- specific cGVHD, which will provide an opportunity and platform to engage young and senior clinicians and scientists to develop collaborative research. The Organizing Committee will make every effort to enhance diversity by increasing individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Participation of trainees and underrepresented minorities is especially encouraged through travel awards.