David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy

Leaders in Cellular Therapy Care & Research
Cellular therapy — the transfer of human cells to heal or replace damaged tissue or cells — holds much promise for patients with cancer and other diseases. A type of immunotherapy, cellular therapies are transforming the way we treat cancer, bringing us closer to finding a cure.
The physicians and scientists at the David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy at the University of Chicago Medicine have long been leaders in cellular therapy research and clinical care. Two types of cellular therapy — stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy — were first tested in clinical trials. We participated in and were leaders in these trials, being among the first to bring these breakthrough approaches to our patients. Today, many of our patients receive these life-saving treatments on an outpatient basis, allowing them to return to the comfort of their home or nearby accommodations between treatments and appointments.
Established & Emerging Cellular Therapies

Transplanting blood and bone marrow stem cells is a well-established cellular therapy for numerous cancers and blood diseases. SCT involves harvesting stem cells from the bone marrow or blood of a patient or donor, and then transfusing them into the patient after their unhealthy bone marrow has been destroyed or eliminated by chemotherapy or radiation. UChicago Medicine had the best one-year SCT outcomes in Illinois and the highest relative to predicted outcomes, according to recent annual reports from the Center for International Bone and Marrow Transplant Research.

CAR T-cell is an emerging form of cellular therapy that involves modifying a patient’s T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. Researchers at UChicago Medicine played a key role in developing this groundbreaking treatment, and we were the first medical center in the United States to be certified in this therapy for specific blood cancers in adults and children. UChicago Medicine is a regional leader for the number of CAR T-cell therapy clinical trials we conduct, with many of our researchers actively studying ways to enhance its effectiveness and expand its use.
Pediatric Cellular Therapy
University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital pediatric hematology-oncology specialists are recognized experts in cellular therapy, and were the first in Illinois to offer CAR T-cell therapy to treat pediatric cancer.

Clinical Trials of New Cellular Therapies
Our physicians work to bring the latest breakthroughs in cellular therapy treatments quickly to their patients’ bedsides. Several new cellular therapies are now being tested through clinical trials for blood cancers and solid tumors.

For Medical Professionals
Refer a patient, find a clinical trial, view treatment guidelines and more. We welcome consults and referrals for any patient who may benefit from cellular therapy treatment.

Cellular Therapy News & Patient Stories
The Jonas Center unites a team of experts dedicated to improving cellular therapy, especially CAR T-cell therapy, an emerging form of cancer treatment.
Watch Video Watch Video With TranscriptConvenient Locations for Cancer Care
UChicago Medicine Comer Children's at Edward Hospital
Naperville, IL 60540 1-844-826-5437
Request an Appointment for Cancer Care
– Schedule a virtual video visit to see a provider from the comfort of your home
– Newly diagnosed patients can schedule a 15-minute introductory Express Expert Cancer Opinion virtual session at no cost
– Request an online second opinion from our specialists
To speak to someone directly, please call 1-855-702-8222. If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.
For Referring Physicians
To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282.
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