Leukemia
John Theurer Cancer Center is home to New Jersey’s largest leukemia treatment program and the only one in the state solely focused on treating leukemia. We understand that for some types of leukemia, standard therapies may not be enough. That’s why we offer opportunities to participate in clinical trials and to receive innovative therapies. Our goal is to provide the treatment, or combination of treatments, that offers you the best possible outcome.Types of Leukemia We Treat
Leukemia is a cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Damaged white blood cells keep the bone marrow from producing the right amount of white and red blood cells.
We treat all forms of leukemia, including:
- Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
- Myelofibrosis
- Other myeloproliferative disorders
Treatment Options for Leukemia
Treating leukemia can be complex and require a combination of therapies. Our team uses the latest technology to determine the genetic make-up of your leukemia. We then design your treatment plan based on this highly detailed analysis. Called precision medicine, this advanced approach has led to more targeted treatments and better outcomes.
During treatment, we track the presence of any remaining cancer to adjust the intensity and duration of your treatment.
Your treatment plan will include one or more approaches that are most effective for your type of leukemia.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy works by slowing or stopping the division of cancer cells. Given in pill form or through an IV or injection, chemotherapy circulates throughout the body which makes it effective in treating leukemia. High-dose chemotherapy also is given to those undergoing stem cell transplant for leukemia.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is designed for the genetic make-up of your specific type of leukemia. It is administered directly to cancer cells to change their ability to grow and divide in your body.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses your body’s own immune system to find and destroy your leukemia.
CAR T-Cell Therapy
Cancer grows because it escapes the immune system’s natural ability to kill unhealthy cells. With CAR T-cell therapy, your body’s own immune cells are armed with special proteins to attack cancer cells.
Stem Cell Transplant
Advances in blood and marrow stem cell transplantation have made this approach an option for more people with leukemia. For more than 25 years John Theurer Cancer Center has provided this lifesaving therapy.
Leaders in Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant for Leukemia
The John Theurer Cancer Center has provided lifesaving stem cell transplants for leukemia for more than 25 years. Today, we have one of the largest and most experienced blood and marrow stem cell transplant programs in the United States. We have developed new ways to prevent leukemia recurrence after transplant, and reduced complications such as graft-versus-host disease through our collaboration with the Immunology Branch at the National Institutes of Health.
Our Research and Clinical Trials
At Hackensack Meridian Health, you may have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial of new and exciting approaches to stem cell transplant. Our research has a strong focus on reducing the complications of transplant and also lowering the risk of disease recurrence. We are the first in the world to combine checkpoint inhibitors (drugs that inhibit the proteins cancer cells use to evade detection by the immune system) after transplantation, at a time when the immune system has the best opportunity to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Find a John Theurer Cancer Center Affiliate Located Near You
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Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health
Premier Cancer Center

Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center named One of “America’s Best Cancer Hospitals 2023” and #1 Cancer Hospital in NJ
Strong Partnerships

The Memorial Sloan Kettering–Hackensack Meridian Health partnership brings together two world-class organizations with deep New Jersey roots and a single goal: Find more cures faster.
Innovation

Our head/neck surgeons are certified to perform transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Our Robotic Center of Excellence is one of the largest robotic surgery programs, with the highest volume of minimally invasive cancer procedures in New Jersey.
Key Services
- Bladder Cancer
- Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation
- Bone Tumors and Sarcoma
- Brain and Spine Cancers
- Breast Cancer
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- CAR T-Cell Therapy
- Cardio-Oncology
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- Leukemia
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- Precision Medicine
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