Josephine Ford Cancer Center medical oncologists treat nearly 100 patients with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma annually, one of the largest patient volumes in the state. Through the Cancer Center’s dynamic clinical research program in lymphoma, these patients have access to the most promising, innovative treatments available in the United States.

Clinical trials conducted at the Josephine Ford Cancer Center were instrumental in the 1998 Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the first monoclonal antibody for relapsing, low-grade Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Monoclonal antibodies used alone achieve remission in 50 percent of patients without any of the side effects associated with chemotherapy.

Research in this promising area continues, with a new trial of a yttrium-labeled (hot) monoclonal antibody. Investigators believe the potential exists for an 80 percent response rate in this population. The future goal of research is to find the optimal time and use of antibodies combined with other modalities to create opportunities for a cure.

In partnership with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, the Cancer Center offers additional trials for patients who are not candidates for the monoclonal antibody trial. Combination chemotherapy and new growth factors are the subjects of separate trials for all types of lymphoma.

Bone marrow transplantation is an option for selected patients who experience relapse of Hodgkin’s or Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or considered high risk for relapse. The Josephine Ford Cancer Center is one of only three centers in Michigan to offer autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

New cases are reviewed at a twice-monthly Lymphoma Board, held in conjunction with the entire Department of Hematology and Oncology, pathologists, radiation oncologists and other physicians with a specialty interest in lymphoma. Multidisciplinary input is part of every case discussion, including recommendations for enrollment in a clinical trial. There is also a separate cutaneous T-cell lymphoma clinic held in collaboration with Dermatology.

Comprehensive work-ups for treatment planning and study eligibility and actual treatment with biologics or chemotherapy are performed at Henry Ford Hospital. After treatment is complete, patients are transferred back to the referring physician for follow-up.