Division of Hematologic Malignancies & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Designated as a Center of Excellence in cancer care and research, the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals stands at the forefront of innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic malignancies. These include some of the most challenging and complex cancers, such as acute and chronic myelogenous and lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These cancers can arise in the bone marrow, lymphatic system, or in extra-nodal locations like the brain, stomach, testes, and orbit, often requiring nuanced, highly individualized approaches to care.

At Jefferson, patient care is seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge research and education. The Kimmel Cancer Center brings together a multidisciplinary team of leading medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and transplant specialists who collaborate to deliver personalized, evidence-based treatment plans. Students, residents, and fellows training at Jefferson gain early exposure to complex clinical decision-making and see firsthand how collaboration across disciplines drives the best patient outcomes.

Chemotherapy remains a foundation of care for hematologic cancers, but Jefferson is also a leader in advancing the role of radiation therapy, cellular therapy, and novel immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies. Trainees are immersed in an academic culture where clinical excellence and research innovation go hand in hand.

The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Group, accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), meets the highest standards for cellular therapy and transplantation. The team is actively engaged in expanding donor registries and refining protocols to reduce transplant-related complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This creates unparalleled learning opportunities for medical trainees interested in stem cell biology, immune modulation, and translational research.

Under the leadership of nationally recognized experts such as Dr. Pierluigi Porcu, students have the opportunity to work alongside pioneers in the field. Dr. Porcu serves as Director of the Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Leader of Immune Cell Regulation & Targeting (IRT), and Co-Director of the Blood Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCE). His mentorship fosters the development of future physician-scientists committed to advancing hematologic oncology.

Whether pursuing a career in clinical medicine, academic research, or both, students at Jefferson become part of a vibrant learning community that values curiosity, collaboration, and compassionate care. The Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center is not only a place where lives are saved—it's a place where tomorrow’s leaders in oncology are trained.