UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy

Michael Bishop, MD, in cellular therapy lab

Leaders in Cellular Therapy Care & Research

Cellular therapy — the transfer of human cells to heal or replace damaged tissue or cells — holds much promise for patients with cancer and other diseases. A type of immunotherapy, cellular therapies are transforming the way we treat cancer, bringing us closer to finding a cure.

The physicians and scientists at the David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy at the University of Chicago Medicine have long been leaders in cellular therapy research and clinical care. Two types of cellular therapy — stem cell transplants and CAR T-cell therapy — were first tested in clinical trials. We participated in and were leaders in these trials, being among the first to bring these breakthrough approaches to our patients. Today, many of our patients receive these life-saving treatments on an outpatient basis, allowing them to return to the comfort of their home or nearby accommodations between treatments and appointments.

Established & Emerging Cellular Therapies

Stem cell transplant nurse

Stem Cell Transplantation (SCT)

Transplanting blood and bone marrow stem cells is a well-established cellular therapy for many cancers and blood diseases. SCT involves harvesting stem cells from the bone marrow or blood of a patient or donor, and then transfusing them into the patient after their unhealthy bone marrow has been destroyed.

car t-cell therapy illustration

CAR T-Cell Therapy

CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. UChicago Medicine played a key role in developing this groundbreaking treatment, and we were the first medical center in the United States to be certified in this therapy for specific blood cancers in adults and children.

TIL therapy

TIL Therapy

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy is an innovative new cancer treatment for patients with advanced melanoma. TIL therapy is a type of cellular immunotherapy that can help your immune system kill cancer cells when other treatments have failed. We're proud to be among the first hospitals in the nation to offer TIL therapy.

Cellular Therapy Resources

John Cunningham, MD, and Daniela Lakosilova

Pediatric Cellular Therapy

University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital pediatric hematology-oncology specialists are recognized experts in cellular therapy, and were the first in Illinois to offer CAR T-cell therapy to treat pediatric cancer.

researcher in cancer lab

Clinical Trials

Our physicians are conducting several clinical trials of promising new cellular therapies to treat blood cancers and solid tumors.

cellular therapy for medical professionals

For Medical Professionals

Refer a patient, find a clinical trial, view treatment guidelines and more. We welcome consults and referrals for any patient who may benefit from cellular therapy treatment.

David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy

The Jonas Center unites a team of experts dedicated to improving cellular therapy, especially CAR T-cell therapy, an emerging form of cancer treatment.

Convenient Locations for Cancer Care

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 
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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.