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Expert Leukemia Care at UT Southwestern

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our experts diagnose and treat patients with every type of leukemia (cancer of the blood cells). Leukemia occurs most often in adults older than 55, but it is also the most common cancer in children younger than 15. At UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, we offer the most sophisticated technologies and science-based therapies. Our team delivers comprehensive leukemia care that is unmatched in the region.

What are the Types of Leukemia?

We diagnose and treat all types of leukemia, including:

With an accurate diagnosis and the right care, leukemia can be managed successfully – and even cured.

Compassionate Expertise. Unmatched Results.

US News and World Report Cancer Gold badge for 25/26

Our Commitment to Excellence for Leukemia

  • 2,500+ stem cell transplants performed
  • #1 survival rate for adult allogeneic stem cell (bone marrow) transplants in Texas
  • High patient satisfaction scores
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What are the Risk Factors of Leukemia?

The following risk factors can sometimes play a role in the development of leukemia. However, some patients with leukemia won’t have any of these risk factors:

  • Previous cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation can increase the risk of leukemia.
  • Tobacco: Smoking can increase the risk of some types of leukemia.
  • Genetic disorders: Some disorders, such as Down syndrome, can play a role in leukemia development.
  • Chemical exposure: Long-term exposure to pesticides and industrial chemicals can be linked to leukemia.
  • Family history of leukemia: A person’s risk for leukemia can be increased if a family member has been diagnosed.
provider speaking to a patient in office

What are the Symptoms of Leukemia?

Slow-growing types of leukemia, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, often have no symptoms. However, acute types of leukemia can cause signs and symptoms that include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Frequent infections
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Easy bleeding or bruising
  • Tiny red spots on the skin
  • Excessive sweating, especially at night
  • Bone pain or tenderness 

These symptoms are often vague and can resemble the flu, so it’s important for patients to be aware of changes in their body and make an appointment to see their doctor if they have any concerns.

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Why Choose UT Southwestern for Leukemia Treatment?

UT Southwestern’s multidisciplinary leukemia team partners with every patient to develop an individualized course of care. From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, our experienced and caring leukemia specialists will be by every patient’s side throughout their journey.

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.

Compassionate Care Throughout the Journey

UT Southwestern provides excellent, compassionate care for patients with all types of blood cancers. From a personalized patient experience to cutting-edge treatments, discover what sets us apart.  

CAR-T cell therapy for plasma cell leukaemia, illustration

Innovative Services UT Southwestern Offers for Leukemia Treatment

Our patients have access to every effective treatment option, including:

  • Molecular therapies that target disease-causing cell mutations
  • Stem cell transplantation, including both autologous and allogeneic procedures, that replaces harmful cells with immune cells designed to attack the cancer cells
  • Adoptive immunotherapies, which manipulate patients’ or donors’ immune systems to more effectively fight cancer cells
  • CAR T-cell therapy for certain types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Total marrow irradiation (TMI), which protects healthy tissues while focusing on diseased bone marrow

UT Southwestern is the only site in Texas chosen for a national Cancer Moonshot clinical trial to find individually tailored approaches to better treat acute myeloid leukemia.

We also offer:

  • Expertise in treating large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia, a rare form of blood cancer
  • An expert blood cancer team that includes physicians, nurses, and other specialists trained in complex hematologic conditions
  • Access to clinical trials, led by researchers such as Yasin Madanat, M.D., which offer the most promising new leukemia treatments not yet available to the public
  • High-precision donor matching for stem cell transplants, performed in our Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (HLA) Laboratory using advanced tools to help improve transplant outcome
  • An adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivorship clinic, led by Vivian Irizarry, M.D., that offers long-term care and support for blood cancer patients
  • A range of support services to help patients and families through leukemia treatment and beyond
U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospitals for leukemia, lymphoma, & myeloma

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

UT Southwestern Medical Center's treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma is rated as "High Performing" by U.S. News & World Report, placing us among the nation’s top hospitals for this area of care.




Additional Recognition

  • MDS Foundation center of excellence for the treatment of people with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)
  • Certified by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
  • National Center of Excellence listing for all major insurance carriers