SoCal Myeloma Community Chapter: CAR-T Update and Q&A with Dr. Myo Htut from City of Hope

Todd Kennedy was diagnosed with myeloma in 2017 and has become a tireless advocate for myeloma patients and research. His background includes over 30 years working in the pharmaceutical industry until he and his wife Diane retired from their respective first careers to devote their time and talents to strengthen the myeloma community. They collaborate with HealthTree and other trusted partners to educate and empower myeloma patients and caregivers and accelerate the arrival of cures.

Diane has been an active and engaged care partner with Todd, her husband, since he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2017. In January 2020 they retired to devote their time and talents as patient advocates, HealthTree coaches, and myeloma community leaders. They are committed to helping improve and advance cancer care for all patients and feel a collaborative, virtual support group is an excellent way to help educate and empower patients and their families. Diane and Todd have lived in Orange County, CA for over 25 years where they raised their two sons.

Audrey joined the HealthTree Foundation as the Myeloma Community Program Director in 2020. While not knowing much about myeloma at the start, she has since worked hard to educate herself, empathize and learn from others' experiences. She loves this job. Audrey is passionate about serving others, loves learning, and enjoys a nice mug of hot chocolate no matter the weather.

Myo Htut, M.D., is determined to find more effective treatments for multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer which strikes about 30,000 Americans each year. He believes the body's own immune system may hold the key. He's especially excited about the potential of CAR T cells – immune cells taken from the patient, re-engineered to destroy cancer, then re-introduced. “It’s like we’re taking infantry soldiers and training them to be Navy SEALs whose only job is to find and kill these cancer cells,” he says. A native of Myanmar, Dr. Htut received his medical degree at Yangon's Institute of Medicine. After interning at Yangon General Hospital he completed his residency at Harbor Hospital, Baltimore, as well as fellowships at University of Colorado and here at City of Hope. Dr. Htut is conducting multiple clinical trials examining immunotherapy options for multiple myeloma. Rounding out a decade at City of Hope, Dr. Htut says it is the “best place to take care of patients as well as doing research.