Blood Cancers

Hematologic oncology experts Michael Thirman, MD, and Olatoyosi Odenike, MD
Medical oncologists Michael Thirman, MD, and Olatoyosi Odenike, MD, specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and research of hematologic (blood) cancers.

Cancers of the blood (hematologic malignancies) affect the bone marrow, blood cells, lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. Malignancies in the blood interfere with normal blood cell production or function. As the cancer cells multiply, they stop your blood from performing essential functions such as fighting off infection.

Decades of scientific research and clinical trials have led to more effective treatments and better outcomes for the more than 150,000 people diagnosed with blood cancers each year. At the University of Chicago Medicine, we’re at the forefront of leading-edge research, the latest clinical trials and the newest treatments for leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Offering the Most Advanced Care for Blood Cancers

Leukemia

We care for more than 300 patients with leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) each year, making our program one of the largest in Chicago.

Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)

We are at the forefront of developing new therapies for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, bringing the newest treatments to our patients as soon as they are available.

Multiple Myeloma

New medications, targeted therapies and cellular therapies have changed the landscape for patients with multiple myeloma. UChicago Medicine offers all of the latest treatments for this complex condition.

Developing New Therapies for Cancer Treatment

We are really focused on developing new therapies and new approaches to this disease. And we do this mostly through our clinical trials. And we have one of the largest number of clinical trials not only in the region, but probably in the nation. And over the last year, we've accrued over 1,000 patients to cancer clinical trials. 

car t-cell therapy

CAR T-Cell Therapy

CAR T-cell therapy supercharges a patient's white blood cells to seek out and destroy cancer cells. Research at UChicago Medicine played a key role in the development of this exciting new immunotherapy.

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Wendy Stock, MD, talks with a patient in clinic

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researcher in cancer lab

Participate in a Clinical Trial

Medical oncologist Grace Suh, MD, Elaine Johnson, medical oncologist Michael Bishop, MD

Cellular Therapy

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Blood Cancer Articles

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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: What you need to know about diagnosis and treatments
Medical oncologist Sonali Smith, MD, facing the camera with crossed arms against a black background
Sonali Smith, MD: Undaunted by the challenges of lymphoma
Linda Winkler, 61, on a trail in Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming.
Two lymphoma patients, two trailblazing treatments
Anita Shanklin, lymphoma survivor
Lymphoma patient finds life's purpose in helping others endure cancer treatment
CAR T-cell therapy patient Andrew Parker
CAR T-cell therapy recipient surpasses 3-year cancer-free mark
Michael Bishop, MD, in cellular therapy laboratory
UChicago Medicine surges ahead with revolutionary CAR T-cell cancer treatment
Jacelyn Walsh, CAR T-cell therapy patient
After years of treatment and three relapses, CAR T-cell therapy offers hope for leukemia patient
Scott McIntyre, CAR T-cell therapy recipient
Three years after CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma, patient still cancer-free