Why Choose Us for Leukemia Care?

Patients who come to the University of Chicago Hospitals have access to the most advanced treatments, including:

• Revolutionary targeted therapies for some leukemias, that specifically attack the molecular abnormalities that cause cancers of the blood
• The most recent approaches in chemotherapy and immunotherapy--including the first vaccine trial in acute myeloid leukemia and the use of novel targeted monoclonal antibodies
• Comprehensive stem cell transplantation, including unrelated donor and cord blood transplants, which make these life-saving procedures a possibility for more patients
• Supportive therapies to help reduce fatigue, infections, and other problems that may develop due to leukemia or leukemia treatments

Access to the Newest Cancer Drugs

Damon Sinars chose UCMC for his leukemia care. » View video

Many of our physicians are nationally renowned for their research and clinical expertise. As a result, our leukemia program is commonly among the first in the country to test new experimental leukemia drugs via clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. This means that our patients often have access to promising drugs not commonly available elsewhere in the Chicago area.

For instance, we were one of the first medical centers in the country to test imatinib mesylate (Gleevec™), the targeted gene therapy that has revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). More than 90 percent of newly diagnosed CML patients treated with imatinib mesylate will enter remission.

Today, University of Chicago physicians are testing several other exciting new therapies. For patients with CML, we are conducting trials on the next generation of molecularly targeted inhibitors, as well as drugs that may complement imatinib mesylate. We are also testing a variety of promising new drugs for acute leukemias, MDS, and myeloproliferative disorders. These new agents include hypomethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors.

Leaders in Cytogenetic Research

Behind the scenes, our physicians and researchers are busy unlocking the genetic deviations that cause various types of leukemia--which will hopefully lead to more revolutionary drugs like Gleevec. By identifying the chromosomal abnormalities that lead to specific types of leukemia, scientists can begin developing drugs that specifically target those abnormalities, disabling the cancer cells' ability to grow and survive.

An added benefit: Because molecularly targeted therapies only attack defective cells, they produce fewer side effects than traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy.

Our scientists have been pioneers in genetic cancer research since the 1970s when University of Chicago physician Janet Rowley, MD, and her colleagues identified the chromosomal abnormalities that cause several leukemias--including CML and acute promyelocytic leukemia. Our scientists also discovered a gene that is involved in more than 50 chromosomal translocations that contribute to the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

One of the Top Diagnostic Teams in the Country

The chromosomal research at the University of Chicago has led to more precise diagnostic approaches, as well as more effective treatments. Our world-renowned hematopathologists literally wrote "the book" on classifying these diseases--the World Health Organization's textbook. Physicians from around the world consult with our hematopathologists on complicated leukemia cases and other blood disorders to ensure that the proper diagnosis is made.

Because of their extensive knowledge and experience, our hematopathologists can accurately identify even the rarest and most complex cases, which allows our clinicians to recommend the most effective treatments.

Individualized Care from a Team of Experts

There are many advantages to coming to a top cancer program like the one at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Here, your care will be directed by physicians and nurses who specialize in the treatment of acute and chronic leukemias and MDS. They have devoted their entire careers to helping patients with these diseases.

Another advantage: You have instant access to the knowledge and experience of an entire team of cancer specialists--many of whom are internationally renown for their clinical expertise. All of these experts meet regularly as a team to discuss each case and design individualized treatment plans that take your goals and desires into account.

More Information

• Why Choose Us?
• Our Team