Connective Issue #34

MIB News
Connective Issue #34

-Volume 34 | June 4, 2025

MIB Junior Advisory Board during a break at the 2024 Rally for Medical Research Hill Day

With only three weeks to go, the countdown to FACTOR 2025 is on—and this issue has everything you need to get ready. Inside, you’ll find the full conference agenda, a helpful video guide to the scientific panels, and a scientific glossary to help patients and families get the most out of the sessions. We’re also spotlighting our incredible FACTOR partner, the National Ability Center, and celebrating the publication of a powerful new research paper on how integrating genetic reporting can help make cancer care more equitable.

With hope,

The MIB Agents Team

Ways to Connect this Month

View the Full Calendar

OUR COMMUNITY

Preview the FACTOR 2025 Agenda

Take a sneak peek at what's in store for this year’s conference—three unforgettable days filled with learning, connection, and inspiration. From seven cutting-edge scientific panels and two breakout sessions to a special film screening and Q&A with the producer, plus Wellness Track offerings, Warrior HQ, and the always-anticipated FACTOR Formal, there’s something for everyone. Haven’t registered yet? There’s still time! A limited number of hotel rooms remain in our conference block—book by June 6th to lock in discounted rates.

Register

Book Hotel

Program

Adaptive Adventures at the National Ability Center

MIB Agents is thrilled to partner with the incredible team at the National Ability Center for FACTOR 2025! The NAC is known for its empowering, inclusive programs that open the door to adventure, confidence, and connection for individuals of all abilities. This year, they’ll be bringing a special experience to our OsteoWarriors, many of whom live with limb loss, limb differences, or have undergone limb salvage surgeries, by offering adapted activities that promote strength, independence, and joy. Their mission aligns beautifully with ours, and we can’t wait for our community to experience all they have to offer. This month, we proudly spotlight the National Ability Center and all they provide for individuals and families in the disability community.

Learn More About the National Ability Center

Career Connections

- Orthopedic Surgeon – Musculoskeletal Onc – Houston Methodist TX Medical Center

- Director of Clinical Research, Sarcoma - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

- Program Head, Sarcoma - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

- Assistant or Associate Professor, Sarcoma Oncology - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

- Advanced Practice Provider: Sarcoma - Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

- Senior Research Scientist - Sarcoma Medical Oncology Research - MDACC

- Assistant Attending Physician, Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service – MSKCC

If you have a job posting and you would like it included here, please email christina@mibagents.org.

EDUCATION

FACTOR 2025: Your Guide to Scientific Panels

Curious about the scientific sessions at FACTOR 2025 but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! This short video breaks down the panel topics in plain language so you can follow the science and get the most out of the conference. Check out the FACTOR 2025 scientific glossary, created especially for patients and families. It’s a helpful resource for understanding key terms and concepts you’ll hear throughout the sessions.

Download the FACTOR Scientific Glossary

Osteosarcoma in the News

- Repurposing riluzole as an anti-osteosarcoma agent

- Effects of bibliotherapy on emotional distress, coping strategies, and resilience in adolescents with cancer: A pilot randomized controlled trial

- The tumor microenvironment of metastatic osteosarcoma in the human and canine lung

- Osteosarcoma: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Emerging Opportunities

- Only half of adolescents and young adults with cancer get fertility counseling before treatment

- Drug Sensitivity Testing in Osteosarcoma: A Case Report

- Regorafenib-Induced Hand-Foot Skin Reaction in an Adolescent

PROGRAMS

Get Ready Writer Agents: Postcard Month is Coming!

Reminder to all of our outstanding, dedicated Writer Agents in advance of Warrior Mail Postcard Month this July. As you travel or shop, keep an eye out for postcards. Intel for Postcard month will be sent on July 6th with a mail-to-MIB date of July 21st!

RESEARCH

Integrated Genetic Reporting: Key to Equitable Care

Understanding both inherited and tumor-related genetic changes is essential to improving cancer care for everyone. A new Nature Medicine commentary from the Participant Engagement and Cancer Genome Sequencing (PE-CGS) Network, funded by the National Cancer Institute, highlights how combining these genetic results can reduce disparities and lead to more personalized care. Christina Ip-Toma, Director of Scientific Programs at MIB Agents, is honored to have contributed to this important work led by MIB Agents' Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Alanna Church and other experts. Together, their efforts are helping to close the knowledge gap in cancer genomics and ensure that every patient, regardless of background, has access to the most complete genetic information possible.

Read the Paper

Other blog posts