From Research to Reality

Groundbreaking research at Mayo Clinic creates new hope for people with lymphoma and other cancers.

Doctor conducting research

Creating Breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment

Exciting treatments for people with lymphoma and other types of cancer are available in clinical trials at Mayo Clinic. These important trials make the biggest advancements in medicine possible, and they’re the result of decades of immunology research. For people who have already explored traditional treatment options, clinical trials are a newfound source of hope.

Deeper Understanding Drives Innovation

The pace of innovation in lymphoma treatments has intensified as more is learned about this complicated disease. “We’ve dramatically improved our comprehension of lymphoma, how it avoids being recognized by the immune system, and how to use our immune system to target and destroy cancer cells,” says Dr. Grzegorz Nowakowski, a hematologist and Enterprise Deputy Director of Clinical Research at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

Molecular Profiling Offers an Individualized Approach

There are over 50 known types of lymphoma. Getting the right diagnosis and matching it to the best treatment is critical. Experts at Mayo Clinic are able to be more accurate than ever thanks to a technique called molecular profiling. This process involves taking samples from a tumor biopsy done at diagnosis, which allows doctors to identify that individual’s cancer with extreme precision. “It’s a little bit like a fingerprint. Each of us have different fingerprints, and each tumor is unique,” says Dr. Nowakowski.

More Targeted, Less Toxic Treatments

Helping people live longer is always the goal of cancer treatments, however, many new treatments have a secondary goal: fewer side effects. “There’s been a shift from chemotherapy to immunotherapy treatments, which are very well tolerated and can achieve the same or better control of the cancer,” says Dr. Nowakowski.

Expanding Access Improves Lives Everywhere

Giving people equal opportunity to benefit from breakthrough treatments is critical. “We have to make sure that all people, no matter where they live or their socioeconomic status, have access to cutting-edge therapy,” says Dr. Nowakowski. “We have a number of initiatives supporting the extension of clinical trials to different communities.”

A major goal of these initiatives is to provide access to clinical trials for people who live outside of Rochester using a hybrid model that includes virtual visits. This allows patients to begin treatments at Mayo Clinic and continue them in their hometowns. “These trials provide therapies that can dramatically improve people’s lives. It’s important for people to understand and have access to these options,” says Dr. Nowakowski.

 

“If you’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma, whatever you find on the internet is probably outdated. The tempo of progress has been amazing.” 

— Dr. Grzegorz Nowakowski

To learn more, visit: mayoclinic.com/lymphomacare, or call 507-538-3270 toll-free.