Bridging the Gaps in Multiple Myeloma: UCSF Experts Breakdown Current Treatment Controversies

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. Jodi Jacklyn Lipof is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in caring for patients with plasma cell disorders, such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (a blood cancer). She is passionate about helping patients maintain their quality of life during treatment while also optimizing their results. She believes in providing patients with information based on clinical experience and research so they are empowered to make decisions that feel right for their lives and conditions. In research, Lipof explores promising treatments for multiple myeloma, including T-cell therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and bispecific T-cell engagers. Lipof earned her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Clinical research fuels Lipof's hope for new treatment breakthroughs, but the long-term relationships with patients are what inspires her. She strives not only to fight multiple myeloma but to treat each patient as a whole person. She is committed to walking beside her patients on their unique journeys.

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.

Dr. Darren Pan is a hematologist-oncologist who provides care in both the clinic and the hospital for patients with multiple myeloma or other blood cancers. His treatment expertise includes bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation and advanced cellular therapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy. Pan's research focuses on identifying cutting-edge options for patients with multiple myeloma. He is particularly interested in immunotherapy (treatments that help the patient's own immune system recognize and fight cancer). He also studies high-risk multiple myeloma, a category of this cancer in which certain features make the disease more aggressive and difficult to treat. Pan earned his medical degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. At the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, he completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology.

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.

Cynthia is a newborn ICU nurse by trade that has spent the last six years in the medical device industry educating nurses and doctors about devices that are new to their facility. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling the world with her family, and creating Halloween animatronics for her annual front yard display. She has a passion for life-long learning and enjoys sharing what she learns with the people around her.