St. Jude Cancer Predisposition Symposium

At the Crossroads: Intersection of Germline Predisposition & Pediatric Oncology Clinical Care & Research

October 14 and 15, 2025 

 
 

The Cancer Predisposition Symposium will convene leading experts to explore cutting-edge advancements in genetic predisposition to cancer, fostering accelerated progress in this critical area. 

Key topics to be discussed include: 

  • Advanced Genomic Sequencing: Development and implementation of sophisticated clinical genomic sequencing approaches for diagnosing hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. 
  • Precision Medicine: Use of organ-sparing surgeries, molecularly targeted therapies, and innovative radiosurgery techniques for cancer treatment in children with genetic predisposition. 
  • Ethical Considerations: Exploration of the complex ethical and psychological dimensions surrounding germline genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk. 
  • Enhanced Survivorship: Development of specialized tools, genomic predictors, and transition-of-care programs to optimize long-term outcomes for young adults with cancer predisposition. 
  • Increasing Access: Fostering establishment of advanced practices to increase access and decrease disparities surrounding germline genetic testing for cancer predisposition. 

The Symposium will bring together a diverse community of researchers, clinicians, trainees, and staff to foster the exchange of ideas and cutting-edge knowledge. This collaborative environment will drive impactful advancements that directly benefit children and families with increased genetic risk for cancer. 

The event will be hosted in-person at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with an option for virtual attendance.  

Through presentations and discussions, we aim to: 

  • Increase awareness and knowledge of cancer predisposition. 
  • Provide updates on clinical and scientific advances. 
  • Share new insights and preliminary data. 
  • Foster research collaborations that will accelerate new discoveries. 
  • Optimize the care of affected children and their families. 

The Symposium is hosted by the Division of Cancer Predisposition at St. Jude and is a central component of the institution’s strategic initiative to drive scientific collaborations across campus, the U.S. and around the globe to accelerate progress against pediatric catastrophic diseases.  

 

Agenda

  1. Time Speaker/Event
    8:15-8:30 am Kim Nichols, MD 
    Welcome
    8:30-10:00 am

    Clinical and Molecular Diagnostics

     

    Lu Wang, MD, PhD
    Clinical genomic testing at St. Jude
     

    Elaine Mardis, PhD
    The Molecular Characterization Initiative  
     

    Douglas Stewart, MD
    Germline genotype defines predisposition phenotype 
    10:00-10:30 Break
    10:30 am-12:00 pm

    Targeted therapies

     

    Jaishri Blakeley, MD
    Brigatinib as treatment for NF2-related tumors  
     

    Othon Iliopoulos, MD
    HIF1a inhibition for von Hippel Lindau-related tumors
     

    Uri Tabori, MD
    Checkpoint inhibitors in the care of replication repair deficient cancers 
    12:00-1:30 pm Lunch
    1:30-3:00 pm

    Organ Preservation and Local Therapies 

     

    Matthew Wilson, MD
    Retinal procedures & globe preservation
     

    Andrew Davidoff, MD
    Nephron sparing surgical approaches
     

    Erin Murphy, MD
    Advances in gamma knife radiosurgery  
    3:00-3:30 pm Break    
    3:30-5:00 pm

    Subsequent Tumor Risk & Monitoring
     

    Anita Villani, MD
    Risk of SMN following radiation in Li-Fraumeni syndrome 

    Todd Gibson, PhD
    Genetic predictors of radiation-related adverse effects

    Mary Louise Greer, MD, FRCR
    Radiologist’s perspective on surveillance imaging 
    5:00-5:15 pm John Lucas, MD
    Closing
  2. Time Speaker/Event
    8:15-8:30 am John Lucas, MD
    Welcome
    8:30-10:00 am

    Present and Future Surveillance Strategies 
     

    Melissa Perrino, MD
    Efficacy of surveillance across predisposition syndromes  


    Trevor Pugh, PhD
    Liquid biopsies for early cancer detection 


    Marcin Wlodarski, MD, PhD
    Clonal evolution in bone marrow failure syndromes  
    10:00-10:30 Break
    10:30 am-12:00 pm

    Psychosocial and Ethical Considerations 
     

    Katianne Sharp, PhD
    Psychological impact of cancer genetic testing


    Kenneth Tercyak, PhD
    Communication around genetic test results  


    Chris Feudtner, MD, PhD, MPH
    Ethical issues related to germline genomic testing  
    12:00-1:30 pm Lunch
    1:30-3:00 pm

    Survivorship and Transition Programs 


    Catherine Goudie, MD FRCPC
    The MIPOGG screening tool  


    Zhaoming Wang, PhD
    Germline variation and survivor outcomes  


    Phioanh Nghiemphu, MD
    Transition programs for NF1 patients 
    3:00-3:30 pm Break
    3:30-5:00 pm

    Increasing Access and Limiting Disparities
     

    Tuya Pal, MD
    New approaches to increase access to genetic testing 


    Nickhill Bhakta, MD, MPH
    Minimizing global disparities in care  


    Bonald Figueiredo, MD, PhD
    Population screening for Li-Fraumeni syndrome  
    5:00-5:15 pm Kim Nichols, MD
    Closing
 
 

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