Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group

Established in 1982 under the leadership of James O. Armitage, MD, the Nebraska Lymphoma Study Group (NLSG) represents a groundbreaking collaboration between community oncologists, pathologists, and the esteemed professionals at UNMC. As a vital component of the Division of Hematology and Oncology's research initiatives, the NLSG works hand-in-hand with the Hematopathology Section within the Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology to advance both basic and translational research, alongside conducting crucial clinical trials.

Since its inception, more than 7,400 patients have been followed on initial treatment protocols, and more than 80,000 biopsies have been reviewed by the NLSG and researchers across the University campus. The information derived from these samples empowers faculty across multiple disciplines, including internal medicine, pediatrics, pathology, microbiology, preventative and societal medicine, and cell biology and anatomy, along with the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, to collaborative to provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan for lymphoma patients.

The majority of the patients enrolled in the study group are those who have not previously undergone treatment, representing a cohort most likely to benefit from innovative therapies. In numerous cases, fresh tissues are shipped to the Department of Pathology and Microbiology at UNMC for detailed histopathologic, immunologic, and molecular analysis. Cytogenetic studies are also performed.

This unique partnership ensures that patients grappling with Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and various other neoplastic hematologic disorders receive cutting-edge treatment within their local communities, while benefiting from the expertise and sophisticated technology available at the university setting.

While adhering to standard lymphoma therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the NLSG also pioneers investigational clinical trials, evaluating the efficacy of the latest cutting-edge therapies tailored to the specific clinical profiles of lymphoma patients. Moreover, the NLSG spearheads groundbreaking basic and translational research aimed at designing more targeted and personalized therapies for the future.

James O. Armitage, MD, Julie M. Vose, MD and Matthew Lunning, DO direct the NLSG, while Timothy Greiner, MD, leads the Hematopathology Section which reviews all tissues submitted to the NLSG. The important work of the NLSG has led to national and international recognition of UNMC, as well as its collaborators in the state of Nebraska.