Blood cancer care
Expert blood cancer care at Penn Medicine
Blood cancer, also called hematologic cancer, occurs when abnormal cells in the blood grow out of control. Hematology oncology experts at Penn Medicine have a long history of advancing the science of blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Our providers are subspecialized, focused solely on your specific type of blood cancer. We helped develop many of the current treatments, such as CAR T cell therapy, and we teach others around the world about effective diagnosis and treatment.
The Penn Medicine blood cancer program is one of few programs in the country approved and funded by the National Cancer Institute. In addition, the National Institutes of Health named Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center one of the original 14 Core Clinical Transplant Centers in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Network. This national network works to develop and conduct clinical trials to improve patient care.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
Engineering a cure: CAR T cell therapy
Treating disease with cell and gene therapies was once thought to be impossible. CAR T cell therapy, a breakthrough that began at Penn Medicine, uses your own immune cells to fight cancer in a novel way.
Blood cancers we treat
Personalized, leading-edge treatment options
Blood cancer care is changing quickly, with new kinds of treatments being developed all the time. We offer every type of effective treatment for each kind of blood cancer, including the newest classes of treatment—immunotherapy and CAR T cell therapy, a type of cell therapy invented at Penn Medicine. We have dedicated care teams that have specific expertise in the different blood cancer treatments we offer, including bone marrow transplant and cell therapy. Your doctor will collaborate with you to identify the best options for your needs, which may include one or more of the following state-of-the-art treatments.
Advancing the future through clinical trials and research
Blood cancer, also called hematological cancer, occurs when abnormal cells in the blood grow out of control. The abnormal cells can crowd out normal blood cells, which have essential functions: Red blood cells help carry oxygen throughout the body, white blood cells help fight infections, and platelets help blood clot.
There are three main blood cancer types—leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma—that originate from and impact different types of blood cells.
Hematology and oncology experts in Penn Medicine’s Blood Cancer Program have a long history of advancing the science of blood cancers. Our team works diligently to uncover its causes, more accurate methods for diagnosis, and the most effective treatments with the fewest side effects to give patients like you the best possible outcome.
World-leading blood cancer care close to home
When you need care for blood cancer, the world’s leading experts are right in your own community. Browse locations near you where you can receive treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma at Penn Medicine.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Related articles
New therapeutic target expands options for multiple myeloma
In a Phase I clinical trial, the investigational bispecific antibody cevostamab reduced cancer in more than 40 percent of patients with multiple myeloma.
10-year remissions with CAR T therapy in B-cell lymphoma
Many patients with large B-cell lymphoma or follicular lymphoma were still living without a relapse, 10 years after receiving CAR T therapy.
Patient stories
A five-time survivor who keeps fighting follicular lymphoma
“I have been truly thankful for the medical expertise and personal care I have and continue to receive at Penn Medicine while managing this cancer that continues throughout my life,” said Sharon Dunkel.
Competitive weightlifter takes on rare blood cancer
“I knew the downside—cancer winning this battle,” said Howard Aaron. “But for any competition I’ve competed in, I’ve adapted a method of mental, emotional, and psychological preparation to handle it. I took on this cancer as if it was another competition.”
First-ever CAR T cell patient who lived beyond hope
“I’m looking for [extending life by] a day, a week, or a month, and here they are telling me I don't have cancer,” said Bill Ludwig, years later. “It was just like someone told you, ‘You won the lottery.’”
Stronger than fear
“I remember what another cancer survivor told me after my diagnosis: You’re stronger than you think,” Becky Yu said. “It stuck with me and gave me confidence to believe in myself. The fear of ‘is it coming back?’ is still there at the back of my head, but I keep moving forward.”
A CAR T cell research participant gains unexpected life
“I’ve been so blessed to be in the study,” said Walter Styer, “and to enjoy 68 years of marriage with Sarah.” In the 11 years after he enrolled in an early trial of CAR T cell therapy, they’ve celebrated the weddings of grandchildren, attended graduations, and welcomed 11 great-grandchildren.
A medical mystery solved through pickleball
One morning, Ronnie Recchia woke to discover his right foot had “dropped” and he couldn’t flex it toward his leg. His doctors first assured him his foot function would return. Instead, his condition worsened. But a friendship forged on the pickleball court soon led him to Penn neurologists who could help.
Advanced cancer care, closer to home
For Brian Rump, getting CAR T cell therapy nearer to home at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute in Lancaster was a game-changer. “I’m in it to win it with my cancer treatment and I know my care team at ABBCI will be with me every step of the way.”