Lymphoma
John Theurer Cancer Center is New Jersey’s largest and most specialized lymphoma program. Hundreds of people come to us every year for advanced care based on the latest science, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials of promising new therapies.Our team of expert doctors, nurses and cancer specialists offers the region’s most advanced medical and technological expertise, all while preserving a patient-centric environment that’s focused on treating you, not just your cancer.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system – your body's immune defense against infection and cancer. There are many types of lymphoma, including more than 100 subtypes, which fall into two main categories:- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Many lymphomas look the same under a microscope, but each responds to treatment in a different way. We conduct a molecular analysis of your cancer. This means you receive a highly accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan targeted to your specific type of lymphoma.
What are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?
The symptoms of lymphoma are the same as for many illnesses. You should make an appointment to see a doctor if you have one or more of the following symptoms. These may be a sign of lymphoma, or another health condition.
- Fever that doesn’t go away
- Itchy skin
- Night sweats
- Painless, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin area not related to a bacteria or viral infection
- Unexplained, persistent lack of energy
- Unexplained weight loss
Accurate Diagnosis of Lymphoma
The first and most crucial step to treating lymphoma is having the right diagnosis. This includes identifying factors that predict your response to certain treatments, along with a genomic analysis of your cancer. Together this allows us to customize your treatment to give you the best possible outcome.
Blood and Biomarker Testing
At John Theurer Cancer Center, we always start with the least invasive approaches to rule out other conditions and diagnose cancer. Blood samples will be analyzed by our cancer pathologists. Your blood can provide signs, including an abnormal blood cell count and cancer biomarkers.
Advanced Imaging
Advanced imaging tests are analyzed by our cancer radiologists to look for signs of lymphoma in your body beyond your lymph glands, or determine how much lymphoma you have and where it is located. John Theurer Cancer Center offers the latest CT, MRI and PET scanning technology for high-resolution images.
Biopsy
Lymph Node Biopsy: Testing your lymph tissue is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma. A biopsy may be performed in one of two ways:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy may be performed to determine the stage of lymphoma. During a bone marrow biopsy, a thin needle is inserted into your hip bone to extract a sample of soft tissue.
- Core Needle Biopsy: Doctor inserts a thin, hollow tube into a lymph node to remove a small amount of tissue or fluid.
Surgical Biopsy: Doctor surgically removes all or part of a lymph node.
Genetic Cancer Profiling
John Theurer Cancer Center takes a precision medicine approach to treating your lymphoma. This starts with a molecular and genetic analysis of your lymph tissue.
Our expert hematopathologists and molecular pathologists offer on-site genomics testing. We create your cancer’s genetic profile and identify its response to your immune system.
Armed with this information, our doctors match you with the most effective therapy and clinical trials that offer the greatest chance of success.
Leaders in Lymphoma Treatment
From CAR T-cell therapy to promising clinical trials, you have access to breakthrough lymphoma treatments at John Theurer Cancer Center.Learn More
Why Choose John Theurer Cancer Center for Lymphoma Care?
Quality Cancer Care in New Jersey
- Dedicated Stem Cell Transplant Program: John Theurer Cancer Center has one of the largest stem cell transplant programs in the country, including its use for lymphoma.
- Expertise in Lymphoma: Our lymphoma program is one of the largest in the nation and among only a few dedicated programs in the region.
- Quality Cancer Care in New Jersey: U.S. News & World Report has recognized John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center as a premier cancer center in New Jersey.
Learn what makes us leaders in cancer care.
Lymphoma Clinical Trials and Research
You benefit from John Theurer Cancer Center’s robust research that is advancing the science of lymphoma treatment. Our dedicated research team allows for the full integration of clinical science and trials into our program, giving you access to the newest treatment options available.
- Dedicated Research Group: We have a clinical research group entirely focused on lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- Institute for Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma: Researchers and physicians at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation partner with industry leaders on novel, life-changing therapeutic options. Learn More.
- NCI-designated Cancer Care: As part of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center – a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center – our team offers some of the nation’s most promising Phase I, II and III clinical trials. Learn More.
- Phase I Clinical Trial Access: Our Phase I clinical trial program is the largest in New Jersey, giving you access to new, innovative therapies not available elsewhere.
- Promising Clinical Trials: We are the only center conducting a clinical trial of combined checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy after stem cell transplant for lymphoma. This has shown promise in improving outcomes and reducing the risk of cancer returning.
Patient Story
"This is like Star Wars stuff—science fiction—the way they can teach T cells to fight cancer cells" - Alain Fortier
Our Doctors
"As providers of lymphoma care, we are ecstatic to be able to offer this game-changing treatment [CAR T-cell therapy] for patients in need." — Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., Chairman and Director, John Theurer Cancer Center.
You receive care from a highly experienced team dedicated to lymphoma. Your team of experts – including hematologists/oncologists, pathologists, infectious disease specialists, radiologists and radiation oncologists – specialize in lymphoma. We meet weekly to discuss the best course of care and coordinate your personalized treatment.
Find a John Theurer Cancer Center Affiliate Located Near You
Key Services
- Bladder Cancer
- Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation
- Bone Tumors and Sarcoma
- Brain and Spine Cancers
- Breast Cancer
- Cancer Rehabilitation
- CAR T-Cell Therapy
- Cardio-Oncology
- Cervical Cancer
- Children's Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Endocrine and Thyroid Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Gynecologic Cancers
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple Myeloma
- Noncancerous Blood Disorders
- Nutritional Counseling and Services
- Precision Medicine
- Prostate Cancer
- Radiation Oncology
- Skin Cancer
- Testis Cancer
- Ureter Cancer
