At Rush, we offer a comprehensive approach to the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of people with all forms of acute and chronic leukemia, including:

• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Acute myelogenous leukemia
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia

Rush also offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for people with pre-leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome.

The leukemia program at Rush has been a pioneer in the care of patients with leukemia and the use of innovative treatment modalities. Rush was one of the first institutions in the country to utilize Timed Sequential Therapy in acute myelogenous leukemia using two drugs, Cytarabine and Mitoxantrone.

Our program offers a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, managed by experienced physicians and researchers, which enables us to study the behavior of leukemia cells and how they interact with the different treatment modalities. This knowledge allows our physicians to improve the way we utilize new treatment agents. Additionally, this laboratory allows our physicians to receive results to cytogenic, molecular and FISH studies, which have therapeutic implications, in half the time of other hospitals.

Our physicians also work closely with Rush's Bone Marrow Transplant program. When bone marrow transplant is determined to be the most appropriate treatment, our clinical team will guide the patient through all stages of transplant, from preliminary evaluation through follow-up care. For more information, please see our Bone Marrow Transplant & Leukemia page.

The following services are offered by the leukemia program at Rush:

• Comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for all leukemias and myelodysplastic syndrome
• Second opinion services
• Complementary, integrative cancer medicine
• Supportive services

For more information about the services provided, please visit the Leukemia Services page.

Patient Transfers

The leukemia program accepts patients for both inpatient and outpatient transfers.  We offer comfortable, private rooms for patients receiving treatment. If you are a patient, family member or a physician who would like more information on a transfer, please call (312) 563-2320.

Our leukemia program is co-led by Melissa L. Larson, MD, and Parameswaran Venugopal, MD. To see the full list of physician members, visit the Clinical Team page.

Clinical Trials for Leukemia

As part of an academic medical center, patients have access to the latest treatments and research studies. Our program emphasizes the development and study of innovative treatments, including nontoxic therapies designed to slow the progression of the disease and prevent the development of leukemia, with minimal side effects for patients. For more information about currently recruiting clinical trials, see the Leukemia Clinical Trials page.

Appointment and Location Information

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call (312) 563-2320. Our office is located in the Professional Office Building at Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison, Suite 855, Chicago, IL 60612.