Bay Area Myeloma Roundtable

Ajai Chari, M.D. is the Director of the Multiple Myeloma Program and a Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Chari’s research interests include the development of novel chemotherapy regimens, including Phase 1 and 2 studies. He has served as the principal investigator (PI) of several investigator-initiated trials as well as the national and international PI of several industry-sponsored studies. With a long standing dedication to research, Dr Chari has been involved in each of the therapies approved in multiple myeloma over the last two decades. He has published numerous articles in the field and is a frequently invited speaker at national and international meetings. Dr. Chari received undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California – Los Angeles. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Columbia University Medical Center and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of California – San Francisco.

Dr. Jeffrey L. Wolf is a hematologist with expertise in cancers of the bone marrow and blood, as well as in bone marrow transplantation to treat these cancers. His primary focus in both patient care and research is myeloma, the second most common blood cancer. He directs UCSF's Multiple Myeloma Program and the Stephen and Nancy Grand Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative – a program to support the development of better treatments – at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. Wolf's current research interests are in measuring minimal residual disease in patients who have undergone successful treatment for myeloma, as the results are useful in predicting long-term survival. Wolf earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago and completed a residency in medicine at the University of California, San Diego. He completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at UCSF, followed by a bone marrow transplantation rotation at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. In 1979, Wolf helped establish the bone marrow transplant program at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center in Duarte, California. In 1984, he helped establish the first bone marrow transplant unit based at a community hospital in the United States, at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley. He joined UCSF in 2007.

Myeloma survivor, patient advocate, wife, mom of 6. Believer that patients can help accelerate a cure by weighing in and participating in clinical research. Founder of the HealthTree Foundation.

Dr. Alfred Chung is a hematologist-oncologist who cares for patients with blood cancers, including leukemias, lymphomas and myelomas. He sees patients who are in the hospital for treatment, including those who need a bone marrow transplant and those receiving chemotherapy or cellular therapies to bolster the immune system. Chung's research centers on the study and development of new therapies for plasma cell disorders, including multiple myeloma and amyloidosis (buildup of an abnormal protein called amyloid in the organs). One specific area of study is light chain amyloidosis, in which the dysfunction of certain antibody-producing cells results in abnormal protein fibers in the organs. Chung is looking specifically at targeted therapies to treat this type of amyloidosis as well as novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of multiple myeloma. After earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan, Chung earned a medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. At Stanford Medicine, he completed a residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in hematology and oncology. Chung is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology and Association of Northern California Oncologists.

Nancy Sze Wan Wong is a nurse practitioner who cares for patients with blood disorders. Her expertise includes chronic blood disorders that surface suddenly and require immediate treatment. Wong is passionate about caring for patients with cancers of the blood. She aims to help her patients learn more about their condition in addition to helping them manage their symptoms during recovery. Wong earned her master's degree in nursing at Samuel Merritt University. She is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society. A native of San Francisco, Wong enjoys spending time with her family, reading and hiking.

Grace Sevilla is a dedicated physician assistant with a passion for providing compassionate care for her patients with hematological malignancies. She holds a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Pacific University in Oregon. Prior to working for UCSF, Grace’s professional journey led her to work as an advance practice provider at the forefront of cancer research and treatment at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. With a focus in multiple myeloma, she is committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements and treatments in her field. Grace takes great pride in fostering meaningful relationships with her patients, recognizing the importance of empathy, and understanding in their healing journey. Although an East Coast native, she considers herself a West Coaster in all things except football and crabs.

Dr. Anupama Kumar is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with multiple myeloma and other blood cancers. She also cares for patients who are undergoing treatments that include stem cell transplant, chemotherapy and cell therapies while in the hospital. In research, Kumar leads clinical trials evaluating new treatments for patients with multiple myeloma. Kumar earned her medical degree at Tufts University, where she also completed a residency in internal medicine. She completed a fellowship in hematology-oncology at University of California, San Diego, where she received specialized training in multiple myeloma and bone marrow transplant.