FACTOR 2025 is presented by SERB

June 22-24- FACTOR 2023
REGISTER HERE

FACTOR 2025 INFORMATION

About FACTOR

Conference objectives

FACTOR brings together the leading osteosarcoma researchers, clinicians, patient families, osteosarcoma survivors, patients, and bereaved parents to make it better for those battling this disease. This work belongs to all of us.

Collaboration at FACTOR happens with all interested parties to advance treatments and improve outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma. Specifically:

• Significantly improve osteosarcoma awareness and patient outcomes through collaborative disease management approach, clinical trials and dedicated osteosarcoma research.

• Brainstorm on challenges and develop collaborative solutions to fast-track improvements for osteosarcoma.

• Create a symbiotic bridge between the osteosarcoma medical and patient community to overcome challenges and create solutions.

• Evaluate funding needs for research and provide awareness for worthy initiatives and funding solutions.

• A dedicated forum to annually review progress on various osteosarcoma disease management initiatives.

FACTOR 2025 agenda Preview

Thursday, June 26
Welcome Reception 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Friday, June 27
Breakfast 7:00am - 7:45am
General Session 8:00am - 5:15pm
Cocktails and Poster Session 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Hosted Onsite Dinner and FACTOR Formal 6:45pm - 10:00pm

Saturday, June 28
Breakfast 7:00am - 7:45am
General Session 8:00am - 5:00pm

FACTOR 2025 will feature a dynamic lineup of sessions designed to advance osteosarcoma research and foster collaboration between scientists, clinicians, and patients. Highlights include:

7 Scientific Panels
Biological Drivers Of Osteosarcoma
Clinical Trials
Collaborative Data Ecosystems
Integrative Approaches To Advancing Osteosarcoma Immunotherapies
Mechanisms Of Resistance And Evolution
Precision Medicine
Tumor Heterogeneity And Microenvironment Interactions

2 Panels connecting patients and scientists through shared experiences and research funding:
Patient Panel
OutSmarting Osteosarcoma 2025 Grant Program Award Presentations

2 Scientific Breakout Sessions:

SARC and Other Sarcoma mentorship and coaching for young investigators in sarcoma researc​h.
During this session, SARC and Panelists will discuss efforts to develop talent and mentor individuals who are interested in an academic career in sarcoma. Young Investigators will understand the sarcoma landscape of how to navigate and make connections within the sarcoma community, including the development of clinical trials, engagement of advocacy groups, CTEP sarcoma structure, and basic science labs.​

‍We will discus​s:
1) How to select mentors and mentorship​s
2) Funding for these opportunities​ and
3) Support from Local cancer centers

CURE-OS Working Group: ​A blueprint for translating single cell discoveries into better osteosarcoma treatments
Join us for an open forum on advancing single-cell research into clinical care for osteosarcoma patients. As part of the international CURE-OS working group, we will review evolving recommendations on using single-cell technologies to study intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) and discuss strategies for translating these insights into personalized treatments.​

‍Topics include​:
1) Key components of osteosarcoma tumors and their implications for treatmen​t
2) Maximizing the impact of future research studies​
3) Overcoming barriers to clinical implementation​.
‍This interactive session is open to all and aims to foster collaboration, refine research priorities, and accelerate progress in the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Register

OsteoWarriors Headquarters (HQ)

The OsteoWarriors HQ (headquarters) brings kids and young adults who have a connection to osteosarcoma together and It. Is. Awesome!

Connecting the kids who have lost limbs, friends and siblings to osteosarcoma is one of the most important things we do. To put the hospital behind them for a few days and connect with other kids from across the country who have been through the same thing they have is really special.

HQ is for those 22 and under. We kindly ask that only those who plan to fully participate in HQ select the HQ registration option. OsteoWarrior HQ is for:

• Warriors in treatment for osteosarcoma

• Survivors of osteosarcoma

• Siblings of OsteoWarriors

• Siblings of OsteoAngels

The OsteoWarriors HQ is entirely complimentary.

Luminarias

Order a Luminaria in honor of an OsteoWarrior or OsteoAngel! They will light the path the General session attendees will take to dinner on Friday night.

To place your order, please follow these simple steps:

1) Purchase a Luminaria on our MIB Boutique. 
2) Once you complete your purchase, please fill out our F24 Luminaria form to provide your OsteoWarrior or OsteoAngel's name and photo.

Email Linda@MIBAgents.org with any questions.

Please note the deadline to place your Luminaria order is Monday, June 10.

Bereavement Session- Healing Hearts

Join us for a free Healing Hearts grief retreat for bereaved osteosarcoma parents.
This is an opportunity for you to connect with others who share a similar grief experience and understand what you're going through. The hope is that this event provides encouragement, support, and inspiration through planned activities and conversation. 

Date: Friday, June 27th
Time: 10:45 AM - 2:45 PM

There will be an hour break for lunch.


SESSION LEAD BY: LORI KRAUSE

Lori Krause is a life coach with a focus on grief as well as end of life. A hospice-trained grief facilitator for both adults and children, Lori is an INELDA-trained End of Life Doula and has her professional coaching credential (PCC) with the ICF as an End of Life and Grief Coach. Lori has a deep passion for relationship building; open and honest communication; healing; loving; and caregiving.

Ambassador Agent Training

Ambassador Agents offer peer support to caregivers and families in treatment for osteosarcoma. Ambassador Agents are:

  • Survivors and caregivers in the osteosarcoma community
  • Out of treatment for at least two years
  • Comfortable with your own journey to support someone in the midst of theirs
  • Want to Make It Better by showing up to offer support

The Ambassador Agent training will prepare you in best practices to support a warrior and/or their family members. Listening skills, ways to build trust, stages of grief and recovery, and stress management are the foundation of the training. Being an Ambassador Agent is a rewarding experience for both you and the family you are matched with.

Date: Wednesday, June 25th
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM

Lunch will be provided.

Stay tuned for more information on future Mingles!

FACTOR Team

Bronwen Greene

Linda Chelsky

Mary Bisaga

Nicole Klok

FAQs

How much is parking at the event & hotel?

The Grand America offers valet parking at $34 for overnight valet parking and daily valet a $15. Self-parking is available at the following rates: $24 overnight and daily maximum $30. A coupon or credit card is required to exit the parking garage, no cash is accepted at the gate.

Who can participate in HQ? 

Warriors in treatment for osteosarcoma, survivors of osteosarcoma, siblings of OsteoWarriors, siblings of OsteoAngels who are 22 years old and younger.

Is there a cost for HQ? 

HQ is free thanks to the generous support from our donors. FACTOR registration fees are waived for those attending HQ.

Do I need to book my hotel room separately from FACTOR registration? 

YES! Special rates are available at the Grand America. Click here to reserve your room.

view our Angel wall

FACTOR 2022 Speakers

John Healey, MD, FACS
Chief, Orthopaedic Service; Stephen McDermott Chair in Surgery
Kenneth Wong, MD
Associate Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology
Lisl Schweers, LCSW, OSW-C
Alanna J. Church, MD
Christina Baker, Psy.D.
Noah C. Federman, MD
Jane Yanagawa, MD
Alan T. Blank, M.D., M.S.
Bhuvana A. Setty, MD
Katie Albert, MD
Rosandra N. Kaplan, M.D.
Nicola J. Mason, BVetMed, PhD
Lara E. Davis, M.D.
Viswatej (Vishu) Avutu, MD
Michael Isakoff, MD
Scott Sauer, PhD
Katherine A. Janeway, MD, MMSc
Emily Pope PhD Candidate
Leo Mascarenhas, MD, MS
Lee J. Helman, MD
Pradeep Shrestha, Ph.D.
Emily Simon Rav, M.D.
Betsy Young, MD
Ariana Anjier, M.S.
John A Ligon, MD
Alex Y.C. Huang, MD, PhD
Olena Morozova Vaske, PhD
Dr. Patrick Reynolds, M.D. Ph. D.
Elizabeth A. Stewart, MD
Corrie Painter, Ph.D.
Richard Gorlick, MD
Michelle Sexton, ND
Brian D. Crompton, MD
Masanori Hayashi, MD
Brian Flesner, DVM, MSc
Jessica Davis, M.D.
Brian Van Tine, MD, PhD
Ryan D. Roberts, MD, PhD
Amanda Marinoff, MD
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellow
Alejandro Sweet-Cordero, MD
Professor of Pediatrics, UCSF; Director, Molecular Oncology Initiative & Co-Leader, Pediatric Malignancies Program, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
Troy A. McEachron, Ph.D.
INVESTIGATOR Pediatric Oncology Branch
Kara Skrubis
MIB Junior Advisory Board President
Matteo Trucco, MD
Director of Children's Cancer Innovative Therapy Program Associate Staff, Peds Hematology-Oncology & BMT, Cleveland Clinic

Family Fund FACTOR Travel Award

MIB Agents is pleased to offer a limited number of travel awards up to $2,000 for physicians and researchers who would like to attend FACTOR 2022 but do not have institutional or grant support to cover FACTOR 2022 registration and travel expenses. Applications can be submitted online at Proposal Central until April 8th, 2022 and recipients will be notified by April 22nd, 2022.

MIB Agents Family Fund FACTOR Travel Awards are supported by MIB Agents Family Funds, osteosarcoma patients and families who raise funds in honor of an OsteoWarrior or OsteoAngel. Their dedication to Making It Better and fostering collaboration and education in the scientific community makes every MIB Agents award incredibly meaningful.

For more details on eligibility and the application process, please see the Family Fund FACTOR Travel Award guidelines. Please email christina@mibagents.org with any questions.

Scientific Advisory Board

Alanna Church, MD

Associate Director, Laboratory for Molecular Pediatric Pathology (LaMPP); Staff Pathologist,  Boston Children's Hospital; Assistant Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School

Alex Huang, MD, PhD

Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Case Western University School of Medicine; Professor, Department of Pathology, Case Western University School of Medicine; Co-Leader, Immune Oncology Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center; Associate Director, Medical Scientist Training Program, Case Western University School of Medicine

Andy Livingston, MD, MS

Associate Professor, Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics Patient Care, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Co-director of the MD Anderson Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) oncology program.

Christina Ip-Toma

Director Scientific Programs. FACTOR: Speakers & Travel Award

Damon Reed, MD

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Division Head, Pediatric Solid Tumors, Chief, Pediatric Sarcoma Service

John H. Healey, MD, FACS

Board Member, MIB Agents. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Chief, Orthopaedic Service; Stephen McDermott Chair in Surgery

Katie Janeway, MD

Board Member, MIB Agents. Dana Farber Cancer Center, Director of Clinical Genomics, Senior Physician, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Matteo Trucco, MD

Board Member, MIB Agents. Associate Staff Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. FACTOR: Science Co- Chair.

Nicola Mason, BVetMed, PhD

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Professor of Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine The Paul A. James and Charles A. Gilmore Endowed Chair Professorship within the Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

Nicolas Garnier, PhD

MIB Agents Scientific Editorial Advisor, Chief Patient Officer, Servier

Pete Anderson, MD, PhD

Board Member, MIB Agents. Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Ramy Ibrahim, MD

Chief Medical and Strategy Officer, Georgiamune Inc. Board of Directors, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

Rosandra Kaplan, MD

Section Senior Investigator Physician Scientist Pediatric Oncologist NIH.

Register for FACTOR

FACTOR Pass: $375

The magic of being in the same room
Meet the best minds in osteosarcoma
Get to know the patients and families of the community
Share a meal and drink together
HAVE AN AWESOME TIME!

Hotel Reservations

GRAND AMERICA
555 Main St
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

FACTOR 2025 Hotel

MIB Agents has secured a room block at the Grand America hotel. To reserve your room, click here.

Please email Sarah@MIBagents.org with any questions.

Reserve your room

Lobby Lounge

Enjoy an assortment of light refreshments in the beautiful Lobby Lounge while taking in relaxing views of the Center Courtyard.

Satisfying small plates curated by The Grand America’s culinary team, including a 3 tier charcuterie display made with locally sourced fine meats and local artisan cheeses. All made to order and perfectly paired with your favorite cocktail, wine, or beer.

Dining

A neighborhood brasserie with upscale, modern-day touches, Laurel Brasserie & Bar serves European-inspired cuisine in a casual and vibrant atmosphere.

From hand-crafted croissants and pastries to specialty coffees and signature beverages, Bonne Vie is a European-inspired patisserie with the ease of an American grab-and-go neighborhood coffee shop.

Health and Safety

We strongly encourage all FACTOR attendees to be vaccinated. Proof of vaccination will not be required to attend.
The use of masks is encouraged if you are immunocompromised, otherwise, to be used at your discretion.

MIB Agents is proud to partner with these organizations in our mission to Make It Better. Your company can Make It Better, too, please contact Ann Graham at ann@mibagents.org for partnership opportunities

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Star Sponsor

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Supporting Sponsor

HONOR SPONSOR

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JUNIOR ADVISORY BOARD SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Star Sponsor

JUNIOR ADVISORY BOARD SPONSOR

Supporting Sponsor

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT FACTOR 2025 IN SALT LAKE CITY!

Why Attend

Cause Connection

FACTOR connects families & osteosarcoma professionals.

Cause Collaboration

Bringing researchers, clinicians, surgeons and caregivers together.

Cause A Cure

Create a bridge between the osteosarcoma medical and patient community to overcome challenges and create solutions.

“The FACTOR Conference is unique in that it brings together parents, patient advocates, providers, the scientific community and others to share common issues and research advances,and to remember our common struggles against osteosarcoma.”

-Richard Gorlick, MD
register here

FACTOR By the Numbers

8th Annual Conference
214 Doctors & Researchers (2024)
114 Patients and Families (2024)
7 Scientific Panels
1 Patient Panel (2024)
1 Bereaved Parents Session
2 Days of Fun &  Activities for OsteoWarriors & Siblings

Venue

THE GRAND AMERICA HOTEL
555 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Experience the elegance of The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, the perfect setting for this year's FACTOR event. Renowned for its luxurious accommodations, exceptional amenities, and central location, The Grand America offers a sophisticated backdrop for collaboration and connection.
MIB Agents has secured a room block at The Grand America hotel. Click here to reserve your room.

Discover Salt Lake City

Nestled between the stunning Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City is a destination that perfectly blends natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From world-class outdoor recreation to a thriving arts and dining scene, the city offers something for everyone. Explore its breathtaking landscapes, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy the warm hospitality of a community known for its charm and inclusivity. Whether you're an adventurer, a history buff, or simply looking to experience something new, Salt Lake City is ready to welcome you. Join us for FACTOR 2025 and discover all that this incredible city has to offer!