Leukemia & Lymphoma Program

Leukemia and lymphoma are two of the three primary blood cancers. Leukemia, a cancer of white blood cells, prevents the cells from fighting infections in the body. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, and affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. While the causes of these cancers remain unknown, great strides in treatment, some of which originated from Yale Hematology research, are improving survival rates.

Our Approach

Yale uses a multidisciplinary approach to treating leukemia and lymphoma. We offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment with the overall goal of bringing about a complete remission. Treatment approaches for blood cancers may include chemotherapy, radiation oncology, stem cell or marrow transplantation, or immunotherapy. Each patient receives an individual treatment plan, which includes standard care and/or clinical trials, which offer novel treatment options.

Leukemia

After initial blood work to identify the level of white blood cells relative to red blood cells and platelets, further testing, such as diagnostic blood tests, flow cytometry, a bone marrow biopsy, and/or molecular/genetic testing, will determine the type of leukemia and severity of disease.

There are multiple types of leukemia including:

Yale Medicine scientists can determine the particular mutation of the cell and target the mutation. Treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, corticosteroids, and/or stem cell transplant.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is classified into two broad categories: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Doctors confirm a lymphoma diagnosis through a lymph node biopsy. Further testing may be performed to determine the disease progression.

The most common treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is chemotherapy. Novel immunotherapy may also be used.

Treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include active surveillance, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplantation.

Yale Hematology researchers are conducting numerous clinical trials to test new innovative treatment options in both leukemia and lymphoma.