Our Approach to Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the blood that forms from a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. These cells travel through the blood and lymph system to defend the body against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.

For most people who develop lymphoma, it results from a change occurring within a lymphocyte. The abnormal cell replicates faster than, or lives longer than, a normal lymphocyte. Cancerous cells can travel through the blood and lymph system like normal cells. These cancerous cells spread and grow in many parts of the body. Common areas where these lymphocytes spread include the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and other organs.

There are over 90 types of lymphoma. Some are aggressive, while others are slow growing. Your risk for lymphoma is higher if you certain conditions, such as Epstein-Barr virus or an autoimmune disease.

Symptoms of lymphoma may include (but aren’t limited to):

  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin, neck or armpit
  • Fatigue that doesn’t go away
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

Fortunately, there are many forms of treatment for lymphomas, and some types of lymphoma can be cured. Today, chemotherapy and stem cell transplants can bring many lymphoma patients the hope of an extended remission or cure. Exciting new treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy are also transforming the future of lymphoma care.

At Siteman, Washington University oncologists are driving the latest research in lymphoma treatment – research that can help you.

The Siteman Difference

Siteman Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Missouri. U.S. News & World Report continues to rank us among the top cancer centers in the nation.

Since its founding in 1999, Siteman has been leading the charge against cancer from the middle of the Midwest. Our Washington University physicians and researchers have an impressive track record of research breakthroughs that have transformed cancer care.

At Siteman, we unite compassionate patient care and ground-breaking cancer research. We care for our lymphoma patients with the newest treatments science has to offer. Many of these new approaches were studied in labs right here at Siteman.

Lymphoma specialists

When you come to Siteman, you’ll be treated by oncologists who specialize in the treatment of patients with lymphoma. They also conduct lab research into lymphoma and run clinical trials studying new drugs and techniques.

It’s important for lymphoma patients to be treated by experts because lymphoma is such a complex disease. With countless types and subtypes, it can be difficult to diagnose. Having an accurate diagnosis is key for successful treatment. The lymphoma team at Siteman will ensure that you get the right diagnosis and the right treatment plan.

Meet our lymphoma doctor team.

Safer stem cell transplants

A stem cell transplant (also known as a bone marrow transplant) is sometimes the best option to treat lymphoma. Siteman’s transplant program is one of the largest in the world and our experts perform safe and successful transplants.

Learn more about Siteman’s Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapies Center.

CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma

CAR T-cell therapy is a new treatment that transforms patient’s own immune cells into powerful tools against cancer. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 as a treatment for certain types of lymphoma. Some patients who undergo CAR T-cell therapy have seen long-term remissions.

Siteman was one of the first cancer centers in the nation licensed to perform CAR T-cell therapy. We also helped conduct the earliest trials of these therapies in lymphoma patients. Our physicians are therefore some of the most capable providers you can find. CAR T-cell therapy and similar treatments are an active area of research for our Washington University physician-scientists. Ongoing clinical trials at Siteman are working to apply CAR T and similar cellular therapies to other types of cancer.

Learn about CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma patients.

Clinical trials for lymphoma patients

Clinical trials give patients access to advanced new treatments that have not yet been licensed by the FDA. Sometimes, a clinical trial is the only way to help patients who haven’t had success with other forms of treatment.

Siteman offers more clinical trials than any other center in the region. If a clinical trial could be a good fit for you, your doctors may include it in your treatment plan.

Review Siteman’s clinical trials for lymphoma patients.