Blood Cancer Care in Orange County
As a pioneer in advancing care for all hematologic cancers and related blood disorders, City of Hope® leads the field as one of the largest and most successful hematology centers in the United States. Our dedicated, multidisciplinary team combines innovative research discoveries with superior clinical treatments to improve outcomes for patients with the most common to extremely rare hematologic diseases including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, amyloidosis, myelodysplastic syndrome and other benign and malignant hematologic disorders.
Why Choose City of Hope Orange County for Hematologic Cancer Care?
City of Hope’s treatment and research has dramatically improved the lives of patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin disease, and multiple myeloma — the various cancers associated with blood and plasma. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists – including hematologists, medical and radiation oncologists, scientists, supportive care experts and other professionals work together to provide coordinated, personalized care for you and your loved ones. Now, this care is available in Orange County, closer to home.
Why Our Research and Innovation Matters
City of Hope is an international leader in blood cancer research and innovation, which continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care. Our research leads to unique treatments and paves the way for important breakthrough therapies.
There are many types and subtypes of multiple myeloma which are based on the type of immunoglobulin (antibodies) produced by the myeloma cells.
- Burkitt’s lymphoma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)
- Cutaneous T cell lymphoma
- Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
- Double-hit B cell lymphoma
- Follicular lymphoma
- Hairy cell leukemia
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL)
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Marginal lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are rare types of cancer that affect bone marrow and blood cells.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of six diseases in which bone marrow produces too many red or white blood cells or platelets. The six types include:
- Polycythemia vera
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia
- Essential thrombocythemia
- Primary myelofibrosis (also known as chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis)
- Chronic eosinophilic leukemia
- Chronic neutrophilic leukemia
Dozens of lymphoma types appear and act differently in the body. While lymphoma is a rare disease, some types are more common.
There are several subtypes of cutaneous lymphoma, which are classified by the type of cell affected (B cell or T cell).
We Specialize in State-of-the-Art Treatments for Blood Cancer Care
Driving the field forward, City of Hope Orange County is helping to pioneer international hematology treatments.
- Developing new therapies, including vaccines and gene antibody based and CAR T-cell therapies— and combining immunotherapy with radiation therapy — to bolster the immune system's response to cancer.
- Groundbreaking therapies for cutaneous lymphoma, including skin-directed and light therapies.
- Expanding expertise in rare lymphoma subtypes, including cutaneous T cell lymphoma and double-hit B-cell lymphomas.&
City of Hope Recognitions
- City of Hope is one of the world’s largest and most successful bone marrow and blood stem cell transplant centers. The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research has ranked City of Hope as an “overperforming” transplant center.
- As a pioneer in research, it has been recognized with both Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) and Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) awards.
- City of Hope holds one of only three lymphoma-focused SPOREs and one of only two mantle cell lymphoma SCORs.
Treatment for Blood Cancers
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in therapies and treatments for blood cancer patients. Today, many types of blood cancers have positive treatment outcomes. The list below includes some of the most widely used options.
This treatment targets cancer cells in the body using chemicals to destroy them or prevent them from growing. While this therapy is effective, the drugs involved may also affect healthy, normal cells, which may produce side effects, making it more taxing on the body. In the case of some blood cancers, chemotherapy may be given in combination with radiation therapy and stem cell transplantation.
Along with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, radiation therapy may form part of a wider treatment plan to reduce or eliminate blood cancer symptoms and enhance quality of life. This therapy consists of using high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells. The most widely used type of radiation therapy treatment for blood cancers is external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), which delivers radiation from outside the body. Radioimmunotherapy is another treatment option for certain blood cancers.
Preventing the growth and survival of cancer cells is the aim of this treatment. Tests that examine the cells' DNA, proteins and other components are run to determine the most effective way to target the impacted cells. The course of action and treatment for the patient's cancer cell type are decided based on the results. Targeted therapy can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or as a standalone treatment in the form of monoclonal antibodies, T-cell therapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
In this procedure, damaged or diseased cells are replaced by infusing healthy stem cells by transplantation into the patient’s body, stimulating it to produce healthy new blood cells. A stem cell transplant is often prescribed following chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments, which specifically target malignant blood cells, but may weaken the healthy blood cell system.
For certain blood cancers, especially those that affect a single organ or a localized area, surgery may be a possible treatment option. Surgery may be selected as a choice for lymphomas — particularly those around the spleen — or other organs that do not form part of lymphatic system, such as the thyroid or stomach.
This therapy is becoming an important approach to the treatment of blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma because of the notable benefits it provides to the patient. During immunotherapy treatment, the patient receives medicines designed to enhance their body's own defenses, enabling them to more effectively identify, limit, or eradicate the cancer's growth. Many patients find that immunotherapy offers fewer and shorter-term side effects. Among the types of immunotherapy are T-cell therapy, cytokine treatment, donor lymphocyte infusion, monoclonal antibody treatment and radioimmunotherapy.
Studies are underway exploring vaccines that could be given after treatment that could recognize and suppress the cancer cells and possibly assist in extending the duration of remission.
The Science of Cancer Survival Starts Here
Because every person is unique, we tailor treatment plans specific to each diagnosis. This individualized approach, combined with the most cancer-focused clinical trials in the state, is why City of Hope continues to lead Southern California – and the nation – in 5-to-10-year cancer survival rates. Read more to learn about blood cancer treatment and survival rate by type:
Clinical trial participation is a critical aspect of care for many patients living with cancer. Our patients can access more than 1,000 innovative Phase 1–3 clinical trials at City of Hope each year — more cancer-focused clinical trials than anywhere in the area — to provide promising new treatments long before they become the standard of care.

A trailblazing integrative medicine program combining the best of Western medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage and meditation.
City of Hope is a national leader in evidence-based supportive care. The Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center at the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center will facilitate easy access to a wide range of programs, including care navigation, survivorship programs, psychological and spiritual counseling, pain management and more.
Marybelle's is a full-service salon extending a specialty shopping experience with oncology-trained cosmetologists.
The on-site pharmacy fills and dispenses prescriptions and offers over-the-counter medications, alleviating the burden of going elsewhere.
A Grateful Patient Story
City of Hope Orange County Hematology and Lymphoma Care Doctors
With leading-edge blood cancer research, City of Hope cancer specialists deliver innovations from lab to patient with lifesaving speed, pioneering technologies that have led to cancer treatments used worldwide while finding new ways to give hope to those who need it most.
Hematology & Lymphoma Leadership


Equally driven as a clinician and researcher, Amrita Krishnan, M.D., was instrumental in bringing successful transplant therapy to HIV patients with lymphoma, when many believed such patients were too weak to tolerate the procedure.


Tanya Siddiqi, M.D., is an accomplished hematologist-oncologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood cancers, particularly chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Siddiqi is also principal investigator on a number of clinical trials evaluating the role of targeted therapies, including gene therapy (CAR T cell therapy) and other novel agents primarily in diseases like CLL and B-NHL.
Hematology


For Azra Borogovac, M.D., M.S., the patient is the most important part of the medical team. She sees the opportunity to provide care to people with cancer as a privilege. In her mind, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Rather, she sees each patient as a whole person with their own unique priorities and circumstances that must be considered.


Fluent in Mandarin, Luke Chen, M.D., has helped cancer patients in Southern California for nearly 20 years. Focused on both saving life and improving quality of life, he treats his patients as family and is inspired by their courage and humility.


Medical oncologist and hematologist Sudarsan Vishnu Kollimuttathuillam, M.D., is determined to deliver patient-centered care by understanding each individual’s unique needs.


Danny Nguyen, M.D., believes that the start of great cancer care involves the patient. Answering their important questions fully is one of his favorite challenges in his work. He also believes that collaborating closely with other physicians is important for forming the best team for each patient.


Karla Olmedo, M.D., is a rising star in hematology/oncology. The co-author of clinical research studies and review articles published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine, Blood, and Rutgers University Press, she now contributes to the distinguished bench of expertise at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center.


At a very young age, Dr. Krushangi Patel was inspired by a compassionate and highly skilled physician who supported her family through their medical crisis.


George Bernard Semeniuk, III, M.D., was drawn to cancer care while in medical school, after a young family member died of brain cancer.


Tingting Tan, M.D., Ph.D., is internationally renowned for studying the molecular signaling pathways in tumor development and the mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance. She is board certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine.


Personal experience inspired Lihong Wu, M.D., to pursue her career as a physician. The daughter of a doctor, she would shadow her father at work and be amazed at the care he provided.
Radiation Oncology


Colton Ladbury, M.D., is an assistant professor of radiation oncology at City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte and the Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, where he finds nothing more satisfying than offering cancer patients personalized treatments using advanced technology.
Supportive Care


Richard T. Lee, M.D., is a third-generation physician who was inspired by seeing the positive impact that good health care can have on a community. His philosophy as an oncologist is all about treating the whole patient — centering care on who they are and what they need.


Jessica Cheng, M.D., is among the nation’s few, and Orange County’s only, fellowship-trained experts in cancer rehabilitation medicine. This is a subspecialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) also known as physiatry. From the time of diagnosis, a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional challenges may arise throughout the cancer journey.