Blood Cancers - UChicago Medicine
Source: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/cancer/types-treatments/blood-cancers
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Blood Cancers - UChicago Medicine
Blood Cancers
Blood Cancers
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.
Our patients have access to advanced treatments not available at most medical centers, such as
stem cell transplantation
and
CAR T-cell therapy
, a treatment that supercharges a patient's T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Many patients receive stem cell transplants or CAR T-cell therapy on an outpatient basis, enabling them to return to the comfort of their home or nearby accommodations between treatments and appointments, rather than staying in the hospital.
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.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy supercharges a patient's white blood cells to find and destroy cancer cells. UChicago Medicine research played a key role in the development of this exciting new immunotherapy.
View videos and learn more
Top-Ranked Cancer Care and High Performing in Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma
According to U.S. New & World Report's 2025-2026 rankings.
Learn more
Find a Cancer Physician
Find a Location
Request an Appointment
1-855-702-8222
Cancer Care Second Opinions
Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in cancer care.
Get a Second Opinion
Participate in a Clinical Trial
Find a blood cancer clinical trial that's right for you.
Leukemia Clinical Trials
Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
Lymphoma Clinical Trials
Cellular Therapy
Advanced treatments, including stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy
Explore Cellular Therapy
Convenient Locations for Cancer Care
Request an Appointment for Cancer Care
We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call
1-855-702-8222
to schedule your appointment.
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
.
By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our
Privacy Policy
.
*
Indicates required field
Blood Cancers
Blood Cancers
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.
Our patients have access to advanced treatments not available at most medical centers, such as
stem cell transplantation
and
CAR T-cell therapy
, a treatment that supercharges a patient's T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Many patients receive stem cell transplants or CAR T-cell therapy on an outpatient basis, enabling them to return to the comfort of their home or nearby accommodations between treatments and appointments, rather than staying in the hospital.
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.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
CAR T-cell therapy supercharges a patient's white blood cells to find and destroy cancer cells. UChicago Medicine research played a key role in the development of this exciting new immunotherapy.
View videos and learn more
Top-Ranked Cancer Care and High Performing in Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma
According to U.S. New & World Report's 2025-2026 rankings.
Learn more
Find a Cancer Physician
Find a Location
Request an Appointment
1-855-702-8222
Cancer Care Second Opinions
Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in cancer care.
Get a Second Opinion
Participate in a Clinical Trial
Find a blood cancer clinical trial that's right for you.
Leukemia Clinical Trials
Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
Lymphoma Clinical Trials
Cellular Therapy
Advanced treatments, including stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy
Explore Cellular Therapy
Convenient Locations for Cancer Care
Request an Appointment for Cancer Care
We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call
1-855-702-8222
to schedule your appointment.
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
.
By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our
Privacy Policy
.
*
Indicates required field