Leukemia

John Theurer Cancer Center is home to New Jersey’s largest leukemia treatment program and the only one in the state solely focused on treating leukemia. We understand that for some types of leukemia, standard therapies may not be enough. That’s why we offer opportunities to participate in clinical trials and to receive innovative therapies. Our goal is to provide the treatment, or combination of treatments, that offers you the best possible outcome.

Types of Leukemia We Treat

Leukemia is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Damaged white blood cells keep the bone marrow from producing the right amount of white and red blood cells.

We treat all forms of leukemia, including:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
• Myelofibrosis
• Other myeloproliferative disorders

Treatment Options Available for Leukemia

Treating leukemia can be complex and require a combination of therapies. Our team uses the latest technology to determine the genetic make-up of your leukemia. We then design your treatment plan based on this highly detailed analysis. Called precision medicine, this advanced approach has led to more targeted treatments and better outcomes.

During treatment, we track the presence of any remaining cancer to adjust the intensity and duration of your treatment.

Your treatment plan will include one or more approaches that are most effective for your type of leukemia.

Treatment Options

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy works by slowing or stopping the division of cancer cells. Given in pill form or through an IV or injection, chemotherapy circulates throughout the body which makes it effective in treating leukemia. High-dose chemotherapy also is given to those undergoing stem cell transplant for leukemia.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is designed for the genetic make-up of your specific type of leukemia. It is administered directly to cancer cells to change their ability to grow and divide in your body.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses your body’s own immune system to find and destroy your leukemia.

CAR T-Cell Therapy

Cancer grows because it escapes the immune system’s natural ability to kill unhealthy cells. With CAR T-cell therapy, your body’s own immune cells are armed with special proteins to attack cancer cells.

Stem Cell Transplant

Advances in blood and marrow stem cell transplantation have made this approach an option for more people with leukemia. For more than 25 years John Theurer Cancer Center has provided this lifesaving therapy.