Screening and Diagnosis | Personalized Treatment | Research and Clinical Trials | Additional Patient Support
Lymphoma is a blood cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. There are more than 30 subtypes of lymphoma, but they can be broadly separated into two categories, Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL).
The experienced specialists at NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center combine the most advanced scientific knowledge and technology with a comprehensive approach to care. They create a program of personalized medicine for each individual diagnosed with lymphoma. Drawing from the diverse skills of physicians, surgeons, nurses, researchers and a host of other highly trained healthcare professionals, the Kellogg Cancer Center team is dedicated to putting patients—and families—at the center of a healthcare experience that delivers compassionate, quality care.
Patients with both Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are treated within NorthShore’s Hematologic Malignancy Program at Kellogg Cancer Center. The program features advanced practice nurses who enhance our clinical care and patient education. Particularly for patients with complicated cases, they provide ongoing and high-level support. A dedicated hematology coordinator helps streamline patients’ evaluations, easing wait times and potential patient anxiety.
Our inpatient unit at Evanston Hospital cares for patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell reinfusion for lymphomas and related disease. The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Program has long maintained accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
Lymphoma Screening and Diagnosis
NorthShore's expert pathology services, including molecular pathology, ensure that a majority of tests and novel diagnostics are completed in-house. On-site testing ensures swift results, allowing our specialists to more quickly come to a diagnosis and begin life-saving lymphoma treatment as early as possible. Our dedicated hematopathologist plays a critical role in successful treatment by helping to diagnose lymphoma subtypes through lab analysis of blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Diagnosis of the specific lymphoma subtype enables our clinical team to personally tailor a treatment plan to each individual to optimize outcomes.
Personalized Lymphoma Treatment
For most patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy with radiation therapy is effective. Patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may be treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of the two, depending on the specific type and stage of the disease. Stem cell transplantation is sometimes a course of lymphoma treatment.
Highly specific monoclonal antibodies (such as Rituximab, Rituxan) directed at lymphoma cells are used for initial treatment, and recurrence of some types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These targeted therapies have been shown to significantly improve response rates without increasing toxicity.
Our team also provides treatment through the use of immunotherapy. One of the most promising developments in cancer treatments in recent years, this approach spurs the body’s own immune function to attack cancer cells. This evolving approach includes a variety of new drugs that target specific mutations in malignant cells interfering with the bloodstream's pathways. An early adopter of immunotherapy, NorthShore offers progressive treatment options to our patients and supports ongoing clinical trials and research to further advance this revolutionary field.
Our multidisciplinary team meets regularly in a multidisciplinary conference to discuss your case in detail. For lymphoma, your team may include your medical oncologist, surgeon, advanced practice nurse, hematopathologist, nutritionist, pharmacist, social worker and researchers. This "meeting of the minds" provides critical input for outlining the best course of action for your care. Your physician shares this information with you, keeping you informed every step of the way in your treatment.
Research and Clinical Trials
For patients diagnosed with lymphoma, a vital research enterprise allows Kellogg patients access to the latest drugs and treatment options, as well as a wide array of clinical trials.
Additional Patient Support
Kellogg Cancer Center’s unique services and resources assist patients and family members with a variety of challenges they may face from diagnosis, treatment and beyond. A wide array of support services are available to patients that include our integrative medicine services, financial advocacy and survivorship, to name a few.
For More Information
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, please call 847.570.2112.